# 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/reportsofcommitt01  rich 


%™E  ms,*v  library 

Jiproimiteti!  of  James  litter, 

AS  REQUIRED  BY  A RESOLUTION  OR 

THE  CITY  COUNCIL, 

Adopted  July  17tli,  1871, 

WITH 

ACCOMPANYING  DOCUMENTS. 

-v  , Ylr^ 

^ 


RICHMOND  : 

EVENING  NEVTS  STEAM  PRESSES. 

1871. 


Or*. 


Pi 


l\j: 


"n  rni  i c7‘T/,n*t 


ry 


<o  / 


In  Council,  July  17th,  1871,  it  was, 

Resolved,  That  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the 
James  River  Improvement  be,  and  he  is  hereby  required  to 
make  a statement  in  writing  to  this  Council  at  its  first  meet- 
ing in  August,  in  full  of  all  transactions  connected  with  said 
improvement. 

1st.  Of  all  monies  expended  by  him,  and  what  for. 

2d.  Of  the  separate  cost  of  the  various  machines,  flats, 
lighters,  pile-drivers,  cars,  and  of  all  and  every  necessai’y 
article  for  conducting  the  said  improvement ; also  an  inven- 
tory of  the  property  in  the  possession  of  the  Committee  at 
this  time,  its  original  cost  and  probable  value  at  present. 

3d.  Of  the  number  of  days  that  the  whole  of  said  machinery 
has  been  worked,  as  well  as  the  number  of  days  the  work 
upon  said  improvement  was  suspended,  and  the  cause  thereof. 

4th.  The  number  of  officers,  clerks  and  men  employed  and 
their  respective  pay. 

5th.  The  amount  in  cubic  yards  of  mud,  stone,  dirt  or  other 
matter  removed  per  day,  as  well  as  the  gross  amount  removed 
from  the  bar  since  the  present  Engineer  took  charge  and  up  t° 
the  1st  day  July,  1871.  The  present  size  of  the  excavated 
channel  in  depth,  width  and  length,  and  such  other  informa- 
tion in  regard  to  said  improvement  which  his  practical  expe- 
ence  may  suggest. 

From  the  minutes : 

E.  C.  HOWARD,  City  Clerk . 


EEPORT. 


In  Council,  August  7th,  1871,  the  following  report  was  made  : 

Richmond,  Va.,  Aug.  7th,  1871. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond : 

Gentlemen  : In  compliance  with  your  resolutions  adopted 
July  17th,  1871,  (accompanying  paper  marked  A,)  I have 
the  honor  to  transmit  the  accompanying  statements  numbered 
from  1 to  10,  in  full,  of  all  transactions  connected  with  the 
improvement  of  James  river  to  July  1st,  1871.  You  will 
And  that  these  tabulated  statements  convey  clearly  every 
point  of  information  desired,  and  I therefore  submit  them 
without  comment. 

I desire,  however,  in  justice  to  the  employees  of  this  work, 
to  call  your  attention  to  two  facts  which  these  recapitulations 
have,  for  the  first  time,  shown,  and  which  therfore  entitle 
them  to  credit,  viz  : That  while  all  the  parties  regularly  en- 
gaged in  similar  work  make  an  allowance  of  33J  per  cent,  for 
suspensions  and  delays,  this  work  has  been  carried  on  with  a 
loss  of  less  than  20  per  cent.  Also  that  the  actual  cost  per 
cubic  yard  of  material  dredged  has  been  less  than  under  any 
private  contract  known. 

Very  respectfully, 

ALBERT  0 III) WAY,  Chairman . 


STATEMENT 


Showing  all  Monies  Expended  in  Improvement  of  James  River , 
and  ivhat  for , to  July  ls<,  1871. 


September 

26.— 

-Contingent  Expenses, 

Voucher 

No.  1, 

98  60 

October 

11. 

tt 

it 

tt 

5> 

5 00 

u 

12. 

it 

<« 

tt 

6, 

12  00 

« 

12. 

tt 

it 

a 

7> 

34  29 

November 

9- 

it 

tt 

tt 

4. 

4 35 

« 

18. 

it 

it 

tt 

14. 

5°  00 

December 

10. 

tt 

it 

tt 

26, 

30  00 

e 

22. 

it 

tt 

tt 

38, 

12  50 

1871. 

January 

4- 

it 

tt 

a 

56  00 

u 

4- 

tt 

it 

tt 

S. 

16  85 

O 

f". 

OO 

December 

22. 

it 

tt 

tt 

6, 

35  5° 

1871. 

January 

4- 

tt 

a 

tt 

8, 

12  00 

tt 

4- 

tt 

tt 

tt 

9, 

18  75 

u 

*7- 

it 

tt 

tt 

16  50 

« 

17- 

tt 

tt 

« 

12, 

4 78 

n 

31- 

it 

tt 

a 

16, 

6 25 

February 

10. 

tt 

tt 

a 

21, 

5 5° 

n 

10. 

it 

tt 

tt 

23\ 

30  00 

March 

10. 

it 

tt 

tt 

33. 

10  28 

tt 

*3- 

it 

tt 

tt 

36. 

140  00 

‘t 

17- 

it 

tt 

tt 

38, 

6 35 

tt 

17- 

it 

a 

tt 

39. 

1 24 

n 

24. 

it 

a 

tt 

45. 

25  04 

u 

20. 

tt 

tt 

a 

52, 

1 1 90 

tt 

3*> 

tt 

a 

tt 

54. 

75 

April 

7- 

it 

a 

tt 

5. 

2 50 

tt' 

29. 

tt 

tt 

<c 

!3> 

O 

O 

O 

8 


April  29. — 

-Contingent  Expenses,  Voucher  No 

H, 

5 3° 

29. 

CC 

it 

CC 

IS, 

4 00 

May  5, 

cc 

a 

CC 

23, 

3 00 

“ 5- 

Cc 

a 

it 

31, 

30  00 

“ 19. 

it 

a 

a 

34, 

7 75 

“ 19. 

a 

a 

a 

36, 

12  00 

“ 26. 

a 

a 

cc 

38, 

62  50 

“ 29. 

“ 

a 

cc 

44, 

7 25 

June  9. 

a 

a 

cc 

49, 

100  00 

“ 9- 

t( 

a 

cc 

5i, 

7 5° 

“ 9- 

(C 

it 

a 

52, 

19  75 

“ 9- 

(C 

a 

a 

54, 

36  00 

“ i3- 

it 

a 

cc 

SS, 

100  00 

“ 26. 

“ 

u 

cc 

56, 

15  67 

“ 3°- 

cc 

a 

c . 

57, 

5 00 

1870. 

September  28. — Office  Expenses,  Voucher  No.  2, 

2 50 

“ 29. 

cc  a 

a 

3, 

20 

November  18. 

it  it 

tt 

7, 

24  78 

“ 18. 

a a 

“ 

12, 

17  00 

December  3, 

u a 

cc 

1 S> 

56  25 

3- 

a a 

it 

21, 

2 00 

'■  16. 

it  it 

it 

33, 

49  5° 

1871. 

January  4. 

1 1 a 

(( 

4, 

17  00 

“ 14- 

a ct 

cc 

I0> 

5 si 

April  7. 

“ 

cc 

4. 

10  50 

May  26. 

((  tc 

cc 

45, 

39  00 

1870. 

September  29.— Material,  Voucher 

No.  4, 

1 16  00 

November  9. 

a 

a 

1, 

195  40 

“ 18. 

d 

a 

9> 

80  47 

December  3, 

cc 

a 

20, 

52  59' 

“ 3. 

K 

cc 

22, 

8 75 

“ 10. 

it 

a 

24, 

116  57 

“ 10. 

a 

a 

~5, 

22  4s 

“ 10. 

a 

a 

27, 

12  48 

“ 10. 

a 

a 

28, 

51  4° 

“ 10. 

a 

a 

3°, 

!3  95 

“ 16. 

ct 

a 

32i 

87  27 

9 


Decem’r 

22.— 

-Material, 

Vovcher  No. 

34, 

20  63 

cc 

22. 

cc 

cc 

40, 

45  93 

cc 

30. 

cc 

44, 

49  °4 

cc 

3°. 

cc 

c 4 

45, 

20  90 

cc 

3°- 

cc 

u 

46. 

11  33 

cc 

3°- 

cc 

4 4 

47, 

51  65 

1871. 

January 

2,. 

cc 

cc 

2, 

io  75 

cc 

4. 

cc 

cc 

5, 

6 50 

Febrnary 

I, 

cc 

tc  x 

18, 

27  30 

Cl 

4- 

cc 

cc 

20, 

6 00 

tc 

18. 

cc 

cc 

14, 

120  00 

Match 

10. 

“ 

cc 

3°, 

58  07 

cc 

10. 

cc 

39 

4 00 

cc 

10. 

cc 

cc 

39 

953°  5° 

cc 

10. 

cc 

cc 

33, 

26  82 

c c 

10. 

tc 

“ 

34, 

. 18  82 

cc 

10 

cc 

cc 

35, 

41  30 

cc 

>7- 

cc 

“ 

38, 

12  10 

cc 

24. 

cc 

cc 

49 

3 5° 

“ 

24. 

cc 

C ( 

4i, 

1 2 60 

cc 

24. 

cc 

cc 

43, 

1 x 50 

cc 

24. 

cc 

cc 

46, 

14  20 

cc 

3°. 

cc 

cc 

47, 

1 169  03 

cc 

31- 

u 

cc 

49, 

10  10 

cc 

31* 

“ 

c< 

Sh 

118  12 

Cc 

31- 

cc 

cc 

53, 

78  50 

cc 

39 

CC 

cc 

,54, 

138  64 

April 

7- 

cc 

cc 

9 

210  63 

cc 

7- 

cc 

cc 

n 

"7 

373  75 

cc 

7- 

cc 

cc 

3? 

40  62 

cc 

14. 

cc 

“ 

6, 

271  3s 

14 

cc 

“ 

7, 

x 6 00 

cc 

14.  ' 

“ 

cc 

8, 

80  32 

cc 

14. 

cc 

cc 

19 

42  00 

cc 

16. 

cc 

cc 

16, 

9 00 

(C 

29. 

cc 

cc 

17, 

5 75 

cc 

29. 

cc 

18, 

120  71 

May 

5- 

it 

<« 

14, 

44  87 

“ 

5- 

cc 

cc 

25> 

102  23 

cc 

5- 

cc 

26, 

IO4  12 

9 


10 


May 

S- — 

Material, 

Voucher  No 

29, 

109  60 

<<■ 

1 1. 

<C 

tt 

3°. 

144  39 

ct 

19. 

tc 

tt 

32, 

120  25 

tt 

!9» 

tt 

33. 

92  64 

tt 

19. 

tt 

tt 

34, 

25  91 

tt 

19- 

“ 

ct 

35, 

68  28 

« 

19. 

tc 

tt 

37, 

158  71 

June 

2. 

tc 

46, 

200  61 

tt 

S' 

tt 

tt 

48, 

14  40 

“ 

9- 

tc 

ct 

52, 

8 25 

tt 

9- 

tt 

tc 

S3, 

62  05 

“ 

30. 

(t 

c t 

61, 

72  78 

tt 

30. 

tt 

62, 

35  25 

1870. 

October  8. — Wages  and  Salaries, 

Voucher  No.  8, 

3 5° 

tt 

8.  “ 

tt 

Ct 

9,  • 

20  OO 

tt 

19.  “ 

tt 

i°. 

200  OO 

U 

15.  “ 

tc 

“ 

10, 

5 00 

tt 

19. 

tc 

12, 

477  25 

44 

= 8. 

tc 

1 3, 

5 00 

Nov. 

0 tt 

‘c 

2, 

5°7  96 

‘ 

9. 

tt 

“ 

3. 

200  00 

Dec. 

3- 

“ 

tt 

16, 

555  °5 

u 

tt 

a • 

tc 

tc 

17, 

200  00 

It 

16,  “ 

“ 

30 

0 

0 

l c. 

22.  44 

“ 

ct 

37, 

4 00 

tc 

22.  “ 

“ 

ft 

40 

50  00 

“ 

24.  “ 

42, 

421  60 

“ 

3i.  «• 

tc 

ct 

49, 

150  CO 

tc 

31- 

tt 

tc 

5°, 

224  00 

t''. 

00 

I . 

January  4.  “ 

It 

ct 

S, 

7 5° 

tt 

17,  “ 

tc 

1 3, 

5 00 

tt 

31.  “ 

tt 

i4, 

200  00 

t< 

31.  “ 

“ 

tt 

'5. 

657  46 

tt 

2".  “ 

“ 

“ 

17, 

36  CO 

Feb. 

1 8.  “ 

“ 

25, 

25  00 

March  2. 
“ 2. 

“ 17. 

“ 31- 


28, 

-9. 

38, 

5°. 


642  80 
200  00 
2 50 
200  00 


6,909  68 


11 


March  31. — Wages  and  Salaries,  Voucher 


tt 

31.  “ 

<< 

April 

29.  ■* 

« 

tt 

May 

1.  “ 

a 

tt 

tt 

19.  “ 

C£ 

tt 

June 

2.  “ 

a 

tt 

tt 

2,  « 

tt 

« 

a 

30. 

1 1 

tt 

tt 

30.  “ 

tt 

1870. 

November  18. — Repairs, 

Voucher 

No.  5, 

it 

18. 

<( 

tc 

6i 

<< 

18. 

it 

it 

10, 

• < 

18. 

tt 

It 

11, 

(( 

18. 

“ 

“ 

13, 

December  3. 

<( 

*“ 

19, 

“ 

10. 

u 

it 

23, 

€ ( 

22. 

ti 

35, 

c< 

22. 

“ 

tt 

36, 

it 

22. 

u 

if 

39, 

« 

3°. 

<c 

tt 

48, 

1871. 

Januaty 

4- 

it 

5, 

February 

10. 

<< 

“ 

22, 

May, 

5. 

(( 

(( 

25, 

tt 

5- 

a 

(( 

27> 

<( 

19. 

1C 

a 

34, 

June 

2. 

u 

u 

4°, 

u 

9- 

« 

u 

52, 

(( 

3°. 

ti 

“ 

58, 

tt 

3°. 

( 

j 

cc 

59, 

tt 

3°. 

u 

tt 

62, 

1870. 

November  19. — Fuel 

Voucher  No 

. 8, 

December  3.  “ 

tt 

18, 

V 

30.  “ 

t. 

43, 

1871, 

January 

14.  “ 

tt 

7, 

February 

3.  “ 

tt 

r9» 

March 

2.  “ 

tt 

27, 

No.  54, 

141 

OO 

55, 

814 

OI 

19, 

200 

OO 

20, 

ID33 

°9 

34, 

13 

00 

4i, 

i,434 

24 

42, 

200 

00 

65, 

200 

00 

66, 

i,532 

25 

10,67a  21 

1,974  20 
884  57 
291  13 
151  50 
52  01 
46  36 
1 17  66 
62  SS 
25  25 
526  83 
1 40 

1 5° 

129  38 

8 21 
254  62 

75  00 
32  79 
3 50 
252  48 
80  44 
80  25 

5,051  63 

”7  53 

9 00 
36  48 

177  84 

5 75 

43  32 


12 


March 

31- 

— Fuel,  Voucher 

No. 

48, 

182 

28 

May 

5- 

u 

cc 

22, 

241 

68 

( C 

5- 

a 

cc 

47, 

155 

04 

June 

9 

cc 

54, 

3 

00 

“ 

3° 

cc 

cc 

64, 

212 

43 

January 

4- 

-Machinery, 

Voucher 

No. 

3, 

200 

00 

February 

15- 

c< 

cc 

26, 

1 62 

90 

March 

J3- 

cc 

cc 

37, 

14,5°° 

00 

Cl 

24. 

cc 

cc 

4°, 

2,775 

00 

cc 

24. 

cc 

cc 

44, 

1,800 

00 

Cl 

3 1 • 

cc 

cc 

54, 

30 

00 

April 

14. 

cc 

“ 

9, 

290 

5° 

Cl 

14. 

cc 

cc 

10, 

JO 

00 

May 

1 . 

a 

cc 

21, 

3,35° 

00 

Cl 

19. 

a 

cc 

34, 

24 

00 

Cl 

26. 

cc 

cc 

43, 

103 

95 

June 

3°- 

1C 

6°, 

8 

00 

Cl 

30 

“ 

1 c 

62, 

66 

00 

January 

4-- 

Subsistence, 

Voucher 

No. 

5, 

37 

67 

March 

19. 

Cl 

cc 

: 

8, 

46 

40 

May 

5- 

cc 

cc 

2 

s, 

25 

90 

June 

9- 

cc 

cc 

5 

44 

75 

April 

14  — 

Dykes,  Voncher 

4o. 

1 2, 

354 

67 

June 

9- 

Cl 

cc 

5°> 

39s 

31 

Cl 

3°. 

cc 

cc 

63> 

22 

34 

May  22. — Damages  and  Purchase  Dutch  Gap,  V oucher  No.  39, 


1,184  35 


23,32°  25 


154  72 


775  32 
S,io8  12 


Cr. 

January  4. — Committee,  per  Voucher 


March 

30. 

do 

do 

May 

1. 

do 

do 

June 

9- 

do 

do 

57,482  97 


>•  5, 

59  8S 

47, 

82  62 

21, 

92  49 

52> 

26  74 

2-61  73 

Sr'*  '*21  24- 
V)/)  — 1 — T 

13 


RECAPITULATION  : 

Contingent  Expenses $1,082  65 

Office  Expenses 223  94 

Material 6,909  68 

Wages  and  Salaries 10,672  21 

Repairs 5,051  63 

Fuel 1,184  35 

Machinery 23,320  35 

Subsistence 154  72 

Dykes 775  32 

Damages  and  Purchase  at  Dutch  Gap 8,108  12 

$57,482  97 

^ Respectfully  submitted^ 

R.  D.  MINOR, 

Engineer  James  River  Improvement , 


14 


STATEMENT 

Showing  Separate  Cost  of  Machines,  Flats,  Lighters,  Pile 
Drivers,  Cars,  and  every  Necessary  Article  for  Conducting 
the  Improvement  of  James  River : 

i  Dredge,  Admiral  Newport >15,000  00 

1 Pile  Driver  i  2 3j775  00 

2 Two-Deck  Lighters  at  $3,509  00.. 7,018  00 

20  Dumping  Cars  at  $90  00 i,8oo  00 

6 Acres  and  13  Perches  of  Land  for  Dutch  Gap  Canal  at  $100  00 

per  Acre  ...  €08  12J 

Damages  awarded  for  Dutch  Gap  Canal 7»5°°  00 

3 Skiffs 100  00 

1 Surveying  Boat 116  00 

Office  Furniture  90  00 

Railroad  Iron — 12,880  lbs 373  75 

Bolts— 3,598  lbs... 271  35 

Furniture  on  board  Tug  Boat,  Dredges  and  Pile  Driver 175  00 

Tools ; 600  00 

I Steam  Tug  Boat,  F.  Somers  ; I Steam  Dredge,  Greenwich  ; 2 
Side-Dumping  Lighters,  all  purchased  by  the  City  prior  to  Sept. 

1st.  1870,  and  for  the  stated  sum  of 17,894  17 

Piles  and  Dyke  Timbers .' 752  98 

§55>°74  37a 


15 


INVENTORY 

Of  Property  in  Possession  of  Committee  on  Improvement  of 
James  River , July  1st , 1871,  Showing  its  Original  Cost 
and  Probable  Value  at  Present: 


Original  Cost. 


i Dredge,  Admiral  Newport $15,000  00 

1 Pile  Driver 2,775  00 

a Two-Deck  Lighters  at  $3,509  00 7,018  00 

if)  Dumping  Cars  at  $90  00 1,44°  00 

6 Acres  and  1 3 Perches  of  Land 608  1 2 J 

3 Skiffs 100  00 

1 Surveying  Boat 1 1 6 00 

Office  Furniture 90  00 

Railroad  Iron — 12,604  lbs 365  63 

Bolts — 3,598  lbs * 27I  35 

Furniture  on  board  Dredges,  Tug  Boat  and 

Pile  Driver 175  00 

Tools 600  00 

1 Steam  Tug  Boat,  1 Steam  Dredge,  2 Side 

Dumping  Lighters 17,994  17 


Present  Value. 
$15,000  00 
2,775  00 
7,018  00 
1,000  00 
608  12 J 

75  00 
1 16  00 

75  00 
365  63 
27I  35 

I5O  OO 
500  OO 

17,894  17 


$46,453  27I-  $45,848  27 h 


16 


STATEMENT 

Showing  the  number  of  dags  that  the  whole  of  the  M>(chincrj/ 
of  the  James  River  Improvement  was  suspended,  and  tit >. 
cause  thereof. 

» 

From  the  1st  of  September,  1870,  to  the  10th  November, 
1870,  a period  of  seventy-one  days,  including  Sundays,  no 
work  was  performed  by  the  machinery  in  the  actual  improve- 
ment of  the  river. 

During  this  time,  it  was  undergoing  repairs,  and  the  whole 
of  it  was  actually  hurried  away  from  the  ship-yard  in  an  un- 
finished condition,  and  with  the  carpenters  still  at  work  upon 
the  Dredging  Machine. 

The  Steam  Tug-boat,  Frank  Somers,  was  occasionally  em- 
ployed during  this  period,  in  affording  facilities  to  the  United 
States  and  other  Engineers  to  survey  the  river,  in  order  to 
make  estimates  on  which  to  base  appropriations. 


IT 


STATEMENT 

Showing  the  number  of  dags  the  work  upon  the  James  Ricer 
Improvement  tons  suspended,  and  the  cause  thereof. 


IN  TRENT’S  REACH. 

No.  of  days 
Suspended. 

Cause  thereof. 

From  the  nth  of  November,  1870,  to  the  10th  of 
February,  1871,  a period  of  ninety  (90)  days,  ten  days 
days  suspended 

IO 

Ice 

and  Freshes. 

During  the  suspension  of  the  work,  by  i .,  the  Tug- 
boat, Somers,  was  actively  and  successfull  engaged  in 
keeping  open  the  channel  way,  and  assist!  :g  our  com- 
merce in  other  ways. 

AT  ROCKETTS. 

From  nth  February  to  the  21st  May,  a . eriod  of  one 
hundred  (100)  days,  sixteen  days  suspe  . led 

l6 

Freshes. 

AT  RICHMOND  BAR. 

From  2 2d  May  to  the  1st  July,  a period  of  thirty-nine 
(39)  days,  six  days  suspended 

6 

Repairing  Ma- 

3 


18 


LIST  OF  THE  COMMITTEE 

ON  TIIE 

JAMES  RIVER  IMPROVEMENT, 


Together  with  a list  of  Employees,  showing  occupation  and  pay. 


Col.  ALBERT  ORDYvAY,  Chairman 
WM.  B.  ISAACS,  Esq.,  Secretary. 


Tiios.  W.  McCance, 
Geo.  Vi.  Allen, 
Tiios.  II.  Wynne, 
John  M.  Higgins, 


H.  L.  Kent. 

Robt.  E.  Blankenship, 
C.  L.  Todd, 

Garret  F.  Watson. 


10 


LIST  OF  EMPLOYEES. 


ENGINEER’S  OFFICE. 


Name. 

Occupation, 

Pay  per  Mo. 

Remarks. 

Capt.  R.  D.  Minor, 
N.  B.  Randolph, 
Wm,  A.  Webb, 
Bernard  Naegle, 

Engineer  Jas.  River  Im’pt. 
Clerk, 

Tide  Observer. 

Office  boy. 

$200  00 
40  00 
30  OO 
10  00 

TUG  “FRANK  SOMERS.” 

Name. 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Mo. 

Remarks. 

Thos.  Cunningham. 
Wm.  P.  Armistead, 
Isaac  Wood, 

Wm.  Brunt, 

James  Colgan, 

Capt.  and  Supt.  Dredging. 
Engineer. 

2d  Class  Fireman. 
Wheelsman. 

Deck  Hand. 

$125  00 
65  00 
40  00 

45  00 
40  00 

20 


DREDGE  “ADMIRAL  NEWPORT.” 


Name. 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Mo. 

Remarks. 

Clarke  Scull, 

Fngineer  of  Dredge. 

$75  °° 

( J ct.  for  each 
-]  cubic  yard 

T.  Williams, 

2d  Class  Fireman. 

40  OO 

|_  raised. 

M.  L.  Hobson, 

Deck  Hand. 

40  OO 

James  Riddle, 

44 

35  00 

John  Munda, 

44 

35  00 

James  Hampton, 

Dipper  Attender. 

50  OO 

DREDGE  “GREENWICH.” 

Name. 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Mo. 

Remarks. 

Jno.  R.  Combea, 
Wm.  Watson, 

Engineer  of  Dred:  :. 
Dipper  Attender 

$75  00 
5°  00 

C J ct.  for  each 
J cubic  yard 
( raised. 

Robt.  Brunt, 

1st  Class  Fireman, 

45  °° 

Wyatt  Johnson, 

Deck  Hand. 

40  00 

J.  P.  Nimmo, 

<4 

35  °° 

Geo.  Morris, 

<4 

37  5° 

Timothy  Keilty, 

Blacksmith. 

70  OO 

21 


SCOW  HANDS. 


Name. 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Mo. 

Remarks. 

Benj.  Liliston, 

Scow  Hand. 

35  00 

Henry  Myers, 

cc 

35  00 

Wm.  M.  Colgan, 

cc 

35  00 

James  Morris, 

cc 

35  00 

John  Colgan, 

cc 

35  °° 

DYKE  WORK. 


Name. 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Day. 

Remarks. 

James  R.  Werth,  . 

Supt.  Dyke  Work. 

$2  50 

P.  Dunnington, 

Deck  Hand. 

1 25 

D.  Jordan, 

Engineer  Pile  Driver. 

1 50 

D.  Clarke, 

Deck  Hand. 

1 25 

J.  Pearson5 

CC 

1 25 

C.  Hampton, 

cc 

1 25 

J.  H.  Crane, 

cc 

I OO 

George  Kelly, 

cc 

1 25 

Harry  Jones, 

Rafting  Hand. 

I OO 

C.  Eppes, 

cc 

I OO 

E.  Robinson, 

cc 

I OO 

Geo.  Jefferson, 

cc 

I OO 

Shadrack  Taylor, 

cc 

I 00 

Wm.  Radford, 

Carpenter. 

I 25 

J.  H.  Radford, 

<< 

I 50 

Andrew  Radford, 

CC 

I 50 

Benj.  Foster, 

cc 

i so 

Wm.  Bishop, 

cc 

2 50 

22 


LABORERS. 


Name, 

Occupation. 

Pay  per  Day. 

Remarks. 

John  Shannon, 

Deck  Hand. 

$1  oo 

W.  M.  Cannon, 

(( 

I OO 

M.  Hecht, 

a 

I oo 

T.  Constantine, 

u 

I oo 

J.  Champion, 

“ 

I oo 

% 

J.  Haupert, 

« 

I oo 

Wm.  Redford, 

n 

I oo 

C.  McDowell, 

a 

I oo 

J.  J.  Morris, 

u 

I oo 

J.  Mountain, 

(6 

I oo 

P.  O’Conner, 

Ct 

I oo 

23 


STATEMENT 


i Showing  the  amount  in  culic  yards  of  mud,  stone , dirt  or  other 
matter  removed  per  day,  as  well  as  the  gross  amount,  from  the 
Bar  since  the  present  Engineer  took  charge,  and.  up  to  the 
1st  of  July,  1871;  the  present  size  of  the  excavated  chan- 
nel, in  depth,  width  and  length,  and  such  other  information 
in  regard  to  said  Improvement  which  his  practical  experience 
may  suggest 

TRENT’S  REACH 


Daily  average  of  sand  removed, 

Gross  amount  of  sand  “ 

Dangerous  snags  “ 

Depth  of  channel  way,  - 

Width  “ “ 

Length  “ “ 

And  throughout  its  entire  length  distinct- 
ly marked  by  nun  and  spar  buoys. 


212  Cubic  This. 
11,200 
2 

11  feet. 

75  “ 


AT  ROCKETTS. 


Daily  average  of  sand  removed, 

Stones — averaging  one  ton  each,  removed, 
Logs  removed,  . 

Gross  amount  removed, 

Depth  of  channel  way, 

Width  “ “ - - 

Length  “ “ - 


227  Cubic  This. 


1 

- 15,700  Cubic  Y’ds 
11  feet. 

100 

350 


RICHMOND  BAR. 

Daily  average  of  sand  removed,  - 195  Cubic  Y’ds. 

Stones — averaging  1 ton  each,  removed,  5 

Gross  amount  of  sand  “ 13,880  Cubic  Y’ds. 


24 


Depth  of  channel  way, 


15  ft  at  M L W. 
25  ft  for  1,050  ft 
50  ft  for  300  ft. 


Width 

And 

Length 


1,650  feet. 


And  all  distinctly  marked  by  spar  buoys. 

Gross  amount  removed  in  all  operations,  43,780  Cubic  Y’ds. 


That  the  improvement  of  James  Diver  be  continued  with 
energy  and  a determination  to  secure  a depth  of  fifteen  feet  of 
water  from  Richmond  to  the  sea,  at  all  stages  of  the  tide, 
which,  in  itself,  will  give  a depth  of  eighteen  feet  twice  daily. 

The  plan,  now  in  successful  operation,  of  securing  the 
dredged  material  behind  dykes,  is  a good  and  entirely  prac- 
ticable one,  and  its  continuance  is  recommended. 

As  the  work  of  deepening  the  channel  way  to  the  depth 
designated  is  a pressing  necessity,  I suggest  that  another 
Dredging  Machine  with  its  complement  of  Scows,  can  be  ad- 
vantageously employed,  to  the  general  efficiency  and  econo- 
my of  the  James  River  improvement. 

In  conclusion,  I beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  condition  of  the 
river  in  November,  1870,  when  our  work  maybe  said  to  have 
commenced,  when  square  rigged  vessels  were  unusual  arrivals 
at  our  wharves,  and  the  large  steamers  plying  from  New 
York  to  Richmond  reached  our  port  with  difficulty  and  delay. 

The  present  condition  of  our  dock,  crowded  with  vessels  in 
the  foreign  and  coast  trade,  is  the  best  and  truest  test  of  what 
has  been  done  thus  far,  in  the  short  period  of  eight  months, 
towards  the  improvement  of  James  River. 


SUGGESTIONS. 


Respectfully  submitted, 

R.  D.  MINOR, 
Engineer  James  River  Imp't. 


25 


JAMES  RIVER  IMPROVEMENT. 

EXISTING  CONTRACTS. 


Names. 

For  what  pur- 
pose. 

Amount. 

Am’nt 

paid. 

Amount 

due. 

Expiration. 

C.  Reeder  & Sen, 

Hoisting  engine, 

$3000  00 

Aug.  1st  @ 15th. 

C.  J.  Fox,  Sr., 

Deck  lighter, 

1,100  00 

U t • Cl 

W.  Roane  Ruffin 

95,000  feet  pile 
and  crib  timber 
at  5 1 5-100  c. 
per  lineal  foot, 
to  be  delivered 
and  paid  for, 
as  needed, 

4892  50 

752  9& 

4139  5- 

Jos.  Hall  & Co, 

Iron  for  dump- 
ing boxes  at  6 
20- 100  c per  lb 
for  wrot.  iron, 

*^1 

UJ 

O 

O 

August. 

B.  MaiUefert, 

Removal  of  all 
remaining  ob- 
structions at 
Drury’s  Bluff, 
and  giving  a 
channel  way 
of  18  feet  at 
wran  low  wa- 
ter, 

2000  OO 

$1 1,70550 

4 


26 


Bills  due  the  James  River  Improvement. 


Garret  F.  Watson, 

To  James  River  Improvement. 
April  20 — To  driving  3 piles  on  wharf,  at  §5  87,  §17  61 


Garret  F.  Watson, 

To  James  River  Improvement. 

February  26 — To  dredging  a berth  at  his  wharf ; 

removing  five  hundred  and 
forty  (540)  cubic  yards  of  sand, 
at  15  cents,  §81  00 


Old  Dominion  Steamship  Company, 

To  James  River  Improvement. 

May  6 — To  dredging  a berth  for  their  ships  in 
front  of  wharf ; removing  one  thou- 
sand three  hundred  and  fifty  (1350) 
cubic  yards  of  sand,  at  15  cents,  §202  50 


James  River  and  KanawJia  Canal  Company, 

To  James  River  Improvement. 

May  20 — To  dredging  out  entrance  to  ship  lock, 
removing  two  tho  sand  six  hundred 
and  forty  (2640)  cubic  yards  of 
sand,  at  124  cent..,  . 


§330  00 


27 


Va.  Steamship  and  Packet  Company, 

To  James  River  Improvement. 
April  20 — To  driving  4 piles  on  wharf,  at  $5  87,  $23  48 


Messrs.  F.  A.  Kuper  & Co., 

To  James  River  Improvement . 

June  22 — To  four  dumping  cars,  at 
$62  50  each  ; to  be  paid  for 
by  satisfactorily  endorsed 
notes,  at  30,  60  and  90 
days,  with  interest  at  8 per 
cent,  250  00 

Interest,  3 31 

$253  31 


Albert  Ordway  & Co., 


To  James  River  Improvement. 


To  two  bars  of  railway  iron,  276  lbs.,  at 
$65  per  ton, 


$8  12 


28 


C AlecUons  and  Deposits  with  City  Auditor  to  the  Credit  of 
the  Janies  River  Improvement. 


June  27 — Received  of  Garret  F.  Watson,  and 
deposited  with  Wm.  II.  Allderdice, 

Auditor,  to  credit  of  the  Janies 

River  Improvement,  §17  G1 


July  1st — Received  of  John  W.  Wyatt,  agent 
and  attorney,  Old  Dominion  Steam- 
ship Company’s  check,  No.  557,  on 
Planters’  National  Bank,  for  the 
sum  of  §202  50,  payable  to  R.  D.  . 

Minor,  Eng.,  and  deposited  it  July 
3d,  with  W.  H.  Allderdice,  Auditor, 
to  credit  of  James  River  Improv’rat,  S202  50 


July  18 — Received  of  Albert  Ordway  & Co., 
agents  Buckingham  Slate  Quarries, 
§8  12,  in  payment  of  articles  bought 
of  James  River  Improvement,  and 
deposited  the  same  July  10th,  with 
W.  H.  Alderdice,  City  Auditor,  to 
credit  of  James  River  Improvement, 


88  12 


29 


REPORT 

Of  Captain  Cunningham,  Superintendent  of  Dredging,  to 
Captain  li.  D.  Blinov,  Engineer  James  River  Improve- 
ment, covering  operations  from  September  1st,  1870,  to 
July  lsl,  1871. 


City  Tug,  “Frank  Somers,”  July  22d,  1871. 

Capt.  R.  D.  Minor, 

Eng.  James  River  Improvement. 

Dear  Sir: — Your  letter  of  the  20th  instant,  directing  me 
to  make  out  in  tabular  form,  and  transmit  to  your  office, 
“ the  number  of  days  that  the  whole  of  said  machinery,  as 
well  as  the  number  of  days  the  work  upon  said  improvement 
was  suspended,  and  the  cause  thereof,”  is  before  me,  and  in 
reply,  beg  leave  to  state:  that  on  the  1st  September,  1870, 
the  dredging  machine  “ Greenwich,”  and  the  two  side  dump- 
ing “Lighters”  were  on  the  railway  undergoing  needed 
and  extensive  repairs,  caused  by  former  work.  The 

machinery  of  the  Tug  “ Frank  Somers  ” had  been  repaired, 

* 

and  we  had  used  her  whenever  she  was  wanted  by 
the  United  States  officer  in  charge  of  the  surveying  party, 
as  per  order  of  the  James  River  Improvement  Committee,  a 
copy  of  which  is  herewith  enclosed,  when  not  employed  in 
that  capacity  we  were  assisting,  together  with  the  crew  of 
the  “ Dredge  ” in  repairing  and  painting  the  “ Greenwich,” 
and  “ Lighters,”  and  in  watching  the  whole  of  them,  night 
as  well  as  day. 


30 


On  the  30th  September,  1870,  we  were  visited  by  the  great 
flood,  during  the  four  days  that  the  flood  was  at  its  highest, 
we  had  steam  on  the  “ Tug,”  assisting  commerce,  taking 
care  of  the  city  property,  “Dredging  Machine,”  “Ligh- 
ters,” machinery,  timber,  &c. 

Immediately  after  the  flood  we  found  that  “ Trent’s  Reach  ” 
had  filled  up  to  such  an  extent  that  even  the  large  steamers 
plying  between  the  city  and  New  York  were  compelled  to 
cease  running,  and  the  vessels  bound  to  this  port,  loaded,  had 
to  be  discharged  below  before  they  could  get  over  the  bar  at 
“ Trent’s  Reach  ; ” and  so  urgent  was  the  demand  for  the 
channel  to  be  dredged  at  “Trent’s  Reach,”  that  we  had  to 
lay  ways  on  the  Raihvay  to  launch  the  dumping  lighters, 
the  flood  having  broken  the  Railway  so  that  we  could  not 
use  it,  and  take  them  down,  with  carpenters  on  board,  and 
finish  them  while  dredging  the  channel  at  “Trent’s  Reach.” 

After  dredging  a channel  at  “ Trent’s  Reach,”  it  was  found 
necessary  to  dredge  out  the  harbor  near  the  Ship  Locks, 
as  the  loaded  vessels  could  not  pass  up  to  the  locks.  Said 
harbor  was  also  filled  up  by  the  flood. 

By  your  orders  we  moved  the  “Dredging  Machine,”  &c., 
up  to  the  city  on  the  11th  February,  1871,  immediately  after 
the  completion  of  the  channel  at  “ Trent’s  Reach,”  and  com- 
menced operations,  after  completing  the  channel  there, 
dredging  a “berth”  for  the  Old  Dominion  Steamship  Com- 
pany, at  their  wharf,  doing  the  same  for  Mr.  Gf.  F.  "Watson, 
and  dredging  out  the  entrance  to  the  ship  locks  for  the  J ames 
River  and  Kanawha  Canal  Company,  we  took  the  “ Dredges 
and  “Lighters”  down  to  “Richmond  Bar,”  where  we  are 
still  at  work. 

Below  you  will  find  a statement  of  the  time  that  the  ma- 
chines, were  at  work,  and  also  the  time  of  repairing,  and 
suspension  of  work,  from  this  and  other  causes. 


From  September  1st,  1870,  to  November  10th,  inclusive, 
seventy-one‘(71)  clays,  the  dredging  machine  “ Greenwich,” 
and  the  two  side  dumping  Lighters  were  on  the  railway 
undergoing  repairs. 

On  the  11th  of  November,  1870,  we  towed  the  “ Dredge  ” 
and  Lighters  down  to  “Trent’s  Leach,”  and  on  the  12th 
commenced  work,  by  sounding  and  staking  out  the  channel  to 
be  cut. 

From  the  13th  November,  1870,  to  the  10th  February, 
1871,  inclusive,  we  were  at  work  in  Trent’s  Reach,  making 
ninety  (90)  days  at  that  place.  During  the  said  ninety  days 
we  were  compelled  to  suspend  dredging  ten  (10)  days — in 
consequence  of  the  fresh  before  mentioned,  and  afterwards  by 
the  ice  in  the  river. 

During  the  time  of  the  ice,  we  employed  the  Tug  success- 
fully in  keeping  open  the  channel  for  vessels  to  pass  down 
the  river.  The  channel  dredged  at  “ Trent’s  Reach  ” is  1,387 
feet  long,  and  75  feet  wide,  with  an  average  depth  of  11  feet 
water  at  ordinary  high  tides,  removed  therefrom  11,207  cubic 
yards  of  sand,  and  two  dangerous  “snags.” 

On  the  10th  February,  1871,  we  towed  the  Dredge  and 
Lighters  up  to  the  city. 

From  the  11th  February,  1871,  to  the  21st  May,  inclusive, 
we  were  at  work  in  the  harbor,  and  about  the  wharves  and 
ship  lock  entrance,  except  some  three  suspensions,  caused  by 
the  freshes,  three  days  in  February,  seven  days  in  March, 
and  six  days  in  May,  making  sixteen  (16)  days  detention  or 
suspension  of  dredging. 

One  hundred  (100)  days  at  work  in  the  harbor,  and  about 
the  wharves  and  dock,  with  the  exception  of  the  sixteen  days 
suspension  by  the  fresh. 


32 


WORK  DONE  DURING  THE  TIME. 

For  harbor 11,170  cubic  yardi  of  sand,  See.,  removed. 

For  O.  D.  S.  Ship  Co 1,3 50  “ “ “ “ 

For  G.  F.  Watson 540  “ “ “ “ “ 

For  James  River  & KanRvvha 

Canal  Company 2,640  “ “ “ “ 

Making 15,700  cubic  yards  of  sand  and  mud. 

Also  removed  from  tlie  bed  of  the  channel,  seven  (7)  large 
rocks,  some  of  them  weighing  over  one  ton,  also  four  (4) 
large  logs  of  raft  timber,  which  had  drifted  down  and  stopped 
in  the  channel  way. 

In  doing  the  above  work  we  deepened  the  channel  way 
from  the  ship  locks  down  the  river  350  feet  in  length, 
100  feet  in  width,  with  an  average  depth  of  14  feet  water  at 
an  ordinary  high  tide  ; also  dredged  out  the  entrance  to  the 
ship  locks,  and  dredged  berths  for  the  Old  Dominion  Steam- 
ship Company,  and  Mr.  G.  F.  Watson,  for  their  ships,  at 
their  wharves. 

From  the  22d  of  May  (last,)  until  the  1st  of  July,  inclu- 
sive, thirty-nine  (39)  days,  at  work  on  “ Richmond  Bar,”  no 
suspension  except  such  as  are  u-sually  incident  to  dredging 
machines. 

Work  done  on  the  bar  up  to  July  1st,  1871,  one  cut, 
1,650  feet  long,  25  feet  wide,  with  an  average  depth  of  15 
feet  at  mean  low  water.  Second  cut,  dredged  300  feet  in 
length,  making  the  first  three  hundred  feet  of  the  channel  fifty 
feet  in  width.  In  doing  the  above  work  we  removed  13,880 
cubic  yards  of  sand,  and  five  large  rocks,  that  we  found  in 
the  upper  part  of  the  channel. 

Time  employed  in  44  Trent’s  Reach,”  - 90  days. 

During  the  above  time  there  were  13  Sundays, 

Suspension  by  ice  and  fresh,  10  days, 

— * 23  “ 


U 


Whole  number  of  working  days, 


67 


212  yards. 


O O 


oo 


Amount  dredged  14,200  cubic  yards  of  sand, 
and  2 dangerous  “sna^s.” 

o o 

Average  number  of  cubic  yards  per  day, 

Time  employed  in  harbor,  wharves  and  ship 

locks,  -----  100  days. 

During  the  above  time  there  were  15  Sundays, 

Supension  by  freshes,  - 1G  days, 

— " 31  “ 

Whole  number  of  working  days,  - 69  “ 

Amount  dredged  15,700  cubic  yards  of  sand, 

7 large  rocks,  and  4 logs. 

Average  number  of  cubic  yards,  - - 227  yards. 


Time  employed  at  Richmond  bar, 

During  the  above  time  there  were  5 Sundays, 
Repairing  machinery,  G days, 

Whole  number  of  working  day, 
Average  number  of  cubic  yards  per  day, 


39  days. 


11  “ 

28  “ 
495  yards. 


Independent  of  the  above  work,  we  have  placed  the  buoys  in 
position  in  “Trent’s  Reach,”  nine  (9)  in  number,  and  have 
placed  all  the  buoys  from  Trent’s  Reach  to  the  city  in  position, 
whenever  they  were  drifted  out  by  ice,  freshes,  or  otherwise, 
and  when  they  were  destroyed  or  drifted  away,  and  new  ones 
were  sent  to  fill  their  places.  We  have  also  placed  them  in 
position. 

I beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  in 
dredging  an  allowance  is  always  made  of  thirty-three  and  one- 
third  (33$-)  per  cent,  for  lost  time  in  repairing  breaks  in  the 
machinery,  replacing  worn  out  pinions,  wheels,  sheaves, 
friction  bands,  bolts,  &c.  ; added  to  this  delay,  which  is  inci- 

5 


34 


dental  to  all  dredging  machines,  we  have  been  delayed  in  our 
work  by  having  to  move  out  of  the  “ cuts,”  to  allow  the  large 
steamships,  and  the  “ tows  ” of  vessels  to  pass  up  and  down  the 
channel ; some  days  we  have  to  move  out  of  the  “ outs  ” two  or 
three  times  ; if  we  were  cutting  a channel  where  we  could  work 
the  ten  hours  per  diem  without  having  to  move  out  of  it, we  could 
do  considerably  more  work  than  we  do  now,  where  we  have  to 
move  out  of  the  channel  every  night,  and  move  in  position  every 
morning,  and  also  move  out  of  the  channel  during  the  work- 
ing hours  to  allow  the  large  steamships  and  the  “tows’'  of 
vessels  to  pass  up  and  down  the  river. 

This  general  loss  of  33J  per  cent,  in  contractor’s  estimates 
exceeds  ours  by  over  13 J per  cent.,  as  ours  does  not  amount 
to  quite  20  per  cent. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

I am,  truly  and  respectfully, 

Your  ob’t  serv’t, 

TIIOS.  CUNNINGHAM, 

Supt.  Dredging. 


[Copy  ] 

Richmond,  August  5th,  1870. 

Ca-pt.  Thos.  Cunningham,  in  charge 

of  Dredging  Machine  and  Tug  “ Frank  Somers .” 
Dear  Sir  : — You  are  hereby  authorized  to  use  the  tug, 
owned  by  the  city,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  the  river, 
whenever  she  is  wanted  by  the  United  States  officer  in  charge 
of  the  surveying  party,  and  to  furnish  such  supplies  as  may 
be  necessary  for  the  subsistence  of  the  men  employed. 

Yours  respectfully, 

(Signed,)  HORACE  L.  KENT, 

Chairman  pro  tan.  Jas.  River  Committee. 


3(5 


Office  Engineer  Jas.  River  Imfrovem’t, 
Richmond,  Va.,  Aug.  5th.  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordway, 

Oh.  Com.  James  River  Improvement . 

Dear  Colonel : — On  yesterday  the  Auditor  of  the  city  fur- 
nished me  with  a statement  of  expenditures  on  account  of  the 
James  River  Improvement,  covering  the  period  between  Feb- 
ruary 9th,  1870,  and  June  30th,  1871,  which  shows  a total 
of  §81,088  36. 

Upon  consultation  with  him,  I am  informed  that  the  dif- 
ference of  §23,867  12  between  his  statement  and  the  one 
submitted  by  myself  arises  from  the  following  entries,  which 
necessarily  cannot  appear  upon  the  vouchers  of  this  office,  viz  : 

Discount  and  commission  on  sale  of  bonds. 

Amount  paid  between  February  9th  and  September  1st, 
1870,  before  the  organization  of  the  committee. 

Amount  paid  by  checks  on  the  State  Bank  of  Virginia 
prior  to  the  adoption  of  the  present  system  of  payment. 

Respectfully  yours, 

R.  D.  MINOR,  Eny. 


37 


James  Ricer  lrnprouewmt, 


Dr. 


1870. 

Feb.  9,  Manch’ter  C.  & W.  Mft.  Co., 

6 25 

12,  Ordway,  A.  & Co., 

59  28 

12,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

460  85 

24,  Dunham,  W.  C. 

339  00 

25,  Towers,  J.  E. 

2 60 

26,  Dunham,  W C. 

250  00 

Mar.  2,  Ordway,  A.  Co  , 

123  12 

2,  Journal,  Evening  State 

32  00 

7,  Fox,  Charles  J. 

36  67 

10,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

441  60 

11,  Ordway,  A. 

51  50 

Ap'l  14,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

CO 

CO 

CJ( 

30,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co., 

106  13 

May  9,  Crowell  & Currie, 

31  49 

13,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

21  80 

14,  American  Dredging  Co  , 

24  42 

23,  Beardsley,  J.  D. 

37  50 

24,  Currie  & Co., 

22  87 

3,  Ordway,  A.  note  to 

364  57 

10,  “ “ “ 

493  20 

June  16,  Cunnigham,  Thomas 

486  55 

17,  Craig,  J.  D.,  agent, 

60  98 

18,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co., 

46  75 

22,  Evening  News, 

15  00 

28,  Ordway,  A.  note  to 

77  52 

1,117  98 


684  89 


593  48 


995  85 


586  77 


38 


July  7,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

439  20 

9,  Ordway,  A.  & Co., 

18  24 

12,  Eaherty,  Walsh  & Co., 

419  59 

13,  Fox,  Charles  J. 

73  08 

15,  Pockington,  George 

13  40 

20,  Currie  & Co., 

16  63 

26,  Fox,  Charles  J. 

138  08 

Aug.  4,  Richmond  Enquirer  Co., 

35  20 

5,  Daily  Anzeiger, 

14  25 

5,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

480  75 

13,  Fox,  Charles  J. 

433  18 

15,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co., 

229  00 

15,  Crowell  & Co., 

81  30 

15,  Beardsley,  J.  D.  note  to 

497  61 

16,  Bodeker,  A.  & Bro. 

51  SO 

23,  Jenkins,  William 

42  25 

23,  American  Dredging  Co., 

24  22 

24,  Powhatan  Steamboat  Co., 

.24  00 

Sep.  5,  Fox,  C.  J.  note  to 

973  95 

6,  Sloat  & Addington, 

22  00 

6,  Ordway,  A.  note  to 

528  38 

9,  Bodeker,  Henry 

44  41 

10,  Zetelle,  S. 

24  00 

10,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co., 

251  43 

12,  Williams,  R.  L. 

75  71 

14,  Beardsley,  J.  D. 

27  54 

15,  Minor,  R.  D. 

150  00 

30,  Howard,  P.  F. 

30  00 

1,118  22 


1,913  58 


2,127  42 


39 


Oct.  1,  Alexander,  G. 

116  00 

4,  Beardsley,  J.  D. 

38  75 

6,  Fore,  V.  L. 

15  50 

7,  Ordway,  A.,  note  to 

477  25 

12,  U.  S.  Custom  House, 

34  29 

14,  Montague,  W.  L. 

11  00 

15,  Fox,  C.  J.,  note  to 

1,016  30 

18,  Woodward  & Son, 

434  27 

19,  Minor,  R.  D. 

200  00 

20,  Bodeker,  A.  & Bro. 

26  44 

20,  Faherty, Walsh  & Co.,  note  to  351  23 

25,  Thurm,  Joseph 

9 00 

26,  Southern  Exp.  Company, 

45  00 

Hov.  9,  Ashcroft,  Ro. 

195  40 

9,  Traherne,  Win.  E. 

5 00 

9,  Minor,  R.  D.,  (salary  and 

pay  roll,) 

707  96 

23,  Pickrell,  Z.  W.  & Co. 

207  67 

25,  Allaird,  J.  Jr.  & Co. 

55  11 

28,  Loss  on  sale  $100,000  bonds, 

7J  per  cent. 

7,500  00 

28,  Davenport  & Co.,  24  per 

cent,  corn’ll  on  $100,000, 

2,500  00 

30,  Order  to  M.  L.  Straus, 

Chairman, 

6,472  68 

Dec.  3,  Andrews,  Geo.  W.  & Son, 

56  25 

3,  Ordway,  A. 

52  01 

3,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  pay  roll, 

755  05 

G,  Stacy,  G.  B. 

52  59 

7,  Gunn,  J.  F. 

46  36 

7,  Mountcastle,  J.  R. 

2 00 

40 


Dec.  10,  Ordway,  A.  151  50 


10,  Vaughan,  A. 

8 75 

10,  Faherty,  Walsh  k Co. 

117  C6 

12,  Jas.  River  Towing  Co., 

30  00 

14,  Watkins,  J.  B. 

0 00 

15,  Worthams,  E.  & S.  k Co. 

139  05 

17,  Harwood  & Ritter, 

49  50 

17,  Wilson  & West, 

G5  35 

17,  Williams,  R.  L. 

87  27 

19,  Crew,  P.  J.  k Co. 

12  48 

19,  Cunningham,  1'lios. 

50  85 

22,  Pickrell,  Z.  W.  k Co. 

25  25 

22,  Sims,  O.  R, 

4 00 

22,  Fox,  C.  J. 

526  83 

22,  Goddin,  J.  M. 

35  50 

23,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  pay  roll, 

470  60 

23,  Beardsley,  J.  D. 

62  55 

23,  Currie  & Co., 

45  93 

24,  Bidgood,  J.  L. 

12  50 

24,  Perkinson,  S.  S. 

17  00 

31,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  pay  roll, 

374  00 

1871. 

Jan.  4,  Thomas,  W.  A.  Jr. 

51  65 

5,  Minor,  R.  D. 

200  00 

7,  Woodward  & Son, 

69  94 

10,  Ordway,  A. 

36  48 

11,  Currie  & Co. 

56  00 

11,  Nelson,  C. 

10  75 

14,  Richmond  Enquirer, 

30  75 

14,  Ordway,  A.  & Co. 

177  84 

17,  Scull,  Clark 

30  00 

18,  R.  D.  Minor  and  R.  Jennings, 

9 78 

27,  Belvin,  J.  A. 

20  63 

41 


27,  Whig,  Richmond 

16  50 

31,  Gillis,  B.  W, 

6 25 

31,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  pay  roll, 

867  60 

31,  Colton,  F.  B. 

27  30 

31,  Barker,  Major 

36  00 

31,  Loss  on  sale  §20,000  re- 

gistered  bonds,  by  Daven- 

port  & Co., 

2,000  00 

31,  Express  on  §30,000  cou- 

pon  bonds,  paid  Daven- 

port  & Co., 

28  00 

10,  Virginia  Steamship  Co., 

17  50 

11,  Minor,  R.  D. 

30  00 

11,  Talbott  & Son, 

129  38 

18,  James  River  Steamboat  Co. 

5 50 

18,  Burt  & Shaw, 

120  00 

20.  Potieux,  M.  B. 

25  00 

25,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  J.  J. 

Abraham, 

162  90 

3,675  47 


490  28 


3,  Ordway,  A.  & Co. 

43  32 

3,  Minor,  R.  D.  and  pay  re1!, 

842  80 

11,  Pickrell,  Z.  W.  & Co. 

1,530  50 

11,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co. 

58  07 

14,  Maillefert,  B. 

140  00 

14,  Vaughan,  A.  J. 

4 00 

14,  American  Dredging  C 

14,500  00 

15,  Currie  & Co. 

37  10 

17,  Blair,  A. 

5 75 

20,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

67  35 

23,  Southern  and  Atlantic  Tel- 

egraph Company, 

1 24 

6 

42 


Mar.  24,  Tanner,  W.  E.  & Co. 

2,775  00 

25,  Abrahams,  J.  J. 

14  20 

25,  Donnan,  W.  S.  & Co. 

3 50 

25,  Randolph  & English, 

18  60 

25,  Tredegar  Company, 

1,8C0  00 

28,  Richmond  Dispatch, 

25  04 

31,  Pickrell,  Z.  W.  & Co. 

1,086  41 

Ap’l  1,  Fox,  C.  J.  -$310  39; 

Abrahams,  J.  J.  $78  50, 

388  89 

1,  Minor,  R.  D.  $200  ; Pay 

Roll  $814  01, 

1,014  01 

1,  Ordway,  & Co.  $182  28  ; 

Hall,  Jos.  & Co.  $118  12, 

300  40 

4,  Starke  & Ryland, 

18  82 

5,  Powhatan  Steamboat  Co. 

11  90 

10,  Tredegar  Company, 

373  75 

12,  Williams,  R.  L. 

210  63 

15,  Colton,  F.  B. 

10  00 

15,  Ruffin,  W.  R. 

353  67 

15,  Anderson,  Geo.  W.  & Sons. 

, 10  50 

15,  Fox,  C.  J. 

290  50 

17,  Wortham,  E.  & S.  & Co. 

42  70 

17,  Stacy,  G.  B.  & Son, 

42  00 

17,  Currie  & Co.  $80  32 

19,  Vaughan,  A.  J.  16  00 

96  32 

21,  Randolph'  & English, 

10  10 

24,  Purcell,  Ladd  & Co. 

40  62 

25,  Tanner,  W.  E.  & Co. 

271  35 

May  1,  Minor,  R.  D. 

200  00 

1,  Pay  Roll, 

1,133  09 

2,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co. 

9 00 

43 


2,  Fox  & Cannon, 

3,257  51 

6,  Ordway,  A.  & Co. 

241  68 

6,  Johnson,  J.  T. 

25  90 

6,  Hall,  Jos.  & Co. 

109  60 

6,  Wortham,  E.  & S.  & Co. 

120  71 

6,  James  River  and  Kanawha 

Canal  Company, 

20  00 

8,  Faherty,  Walsh  & Co. 

110  44 

9,  Purcell,  Ladd  & Co. 

44  87 

10,  Bidgood,  G.  L. 

5 21 

12,  Minor,  R.  1). 

30  00 

13,  Pickrell,  Z.  W.  & Co. 

144  39 

16,  Wortham,  E.  & S.  & Co. 

104  12 

18,  Smith  & Harwood, 

11  50 

18,  Talbott  & Sons, 

254  62 

22,  Fox,  C.  J. 

265  91 

22,  Williams,  il.  L. 

158  71 

23,  Thomas,  W.  A.  Jr. 

92  64 

27,  Cox,  Henry 

8,108  12 

27,  Tug,  P.  Pulver, 

62  50 

29,  Wilson  & West, 

68  28 

14,578  80 

June  3,  Richmond  Enquirer  Com- 


pany,  $ 3 ; Minor,  R,.  D. 

and  pay  roll,  $1,684  24, 

1,637  24 

5,  Currie  & Co.,  $200  61 ; (6) 

Ordway  & Co.,  $169  44, 

370  05 

8,  American  Dredging  Co. 

103  95 

9,  Bossieux  & Bro. 

16  00 

10,  Faherty,  Walsh  Co. 

32  79 

12,  Minor,  R.  D 

36  00 

14,  Minor,  R.  D. 

100  00 

14,  Virginia  Steamship  Co. 

39  00 

44 


June  15,  Williams,  R.  L. 

62 

05 

23,  Ruffin,  W.  R. 

398 

31 

23,  Smith,  Potter  & Co. 

11 

35 

27,  Tug  Boneta, 

15 

67 

30,  Cunningham,  Thomas 

152 

51 

$81,088  36 


45 


James  River  Improvement, 


Cr. 


1870. 

July  9,  Dimmock,  C.  H.  - - - 39  00 

Nov.  19,  Straus,  M.  L.,  Chairman,  check  of  A. 

Ordway,  for  amount  over  drawn  on 

account  of  Jas.  River  Improvement,  1,974  20 

1871. 

Jau.  31,  Appropriated  14th  February,  - 10,000  00 

31,  “ 8 per  cent,  coupon  b’ds. 

(|250,000)  issued.  - - 150,000  00 

Feb.  11,  Virginia  Steamship  Comp’y,  refunded,  50 

June  27,  Minor,  R.  D.  - - - 17  61 


§162,031  31 


162,031  31 
81,088  36 

§80,942  95  balance  to  Cr.  July  1,  1871. 

Due  for  loss  on  sale  §30,000 — these  bonds  are  not  yet 
sold — although  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  Improvement  Fund. 

WM.  H.  ALDERDICE, 

Auditor. 


4G 


Office  Eng.  Jas.  River  Improvement, 
Richmond , Va.,  June  19th,  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordivay, 

Ch’m  Com.  James  Rioer  Improvement : 

Colonel — The  act  of  the  Committee,  authorizing  the  pur- 
chase of  so  much  land,  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  engineers, 
would  be  required  for  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal,  at  8100  per 
acre,  and  the  further  payment  of  the  sum  of  87,500,  as 
damages,  to  Mr  Ilenry  Cox,  for  the  canal  through  his  land, 
has  been  complied  with,  by  the  payment  to  Mr.  Cox  of 
88,108  12,  which  includes  also  the  purchase  of  an  area  ofL 
6 acres,  0 roods  and  13  perches,  for  which  he  has  given  a deed, 
now  on  record  in  the  clerk’s  office  of  Henrico  county. 

This  area  of  6 acres  and  13  perches  has  been  surveyed, 
and  the  boundary  marked  by  six  pieces  of  stone  48x12,  set 
securely  in  the  ground,  three  (3)  on  the  north  and  three  (3) 
on  the  south  side  of  the  canal. 

The  American  Dredging  Company  are  steadily  at  work 
upon  the  canal,  and  thus  far  have  accomplished  about  one- 
third  (1)  of  their  contract. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

R,  D.  MINOR, 

Eng' r James  River  Improvement. 


47 


Office  Eng.  Jas.  River  Improvement, 
Richmond,  Va.,  June  19th,  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordway, 

Ch'in  Com.  James  River  Improvement : 

Colonel — I beg  leave  to  lay  before  the  Committee  the  fol- 
lowing statement : 

The  dumping  cars  supplied  the  James  River  Improvement 
by  the  Tredegar  Company,  have  by  actual  trial  been  found  to 
be  of  insufficient  strength  to  perform  the  duty  required  of 
them.  This  is  due  to  two  causes — the  first  of  which  is  mainly 
and  in  a great  measure,  that  the  specifications  and  draw- 
ings furnished  by  me  did  not  call  for  material  of  sufficient  size 
and  strength,  and  in  the  second  place  to  the  fact  that  the 
material,  as  supplied,  and  the  workmanship  as  done  by  the 
Tredegar  Company,  are  in  both  instances  of  an  inferior  kind, 
and  not  in  compliance  with  their  contract,  which  stipulated, 
for  material  and  workmanship  to  be  of  the  best  description. 
This  applies  not  to  the  truck  and  iron  work,  but  to  the  mate- 
rial of,  and  workmanship  upon,  the  body  of  the  cars. 

This  was  not  ascertained  until  actual  trial,  some  five  weeks 
after  the  completion,  delivery,  acceptance,  and  payment  of 
the  bill  of  ninety  ($90)  dollars  each  for  the  cars.  Upon  trial, 
four  (4)  of  them  broke  down,  thus  demonstrating  that  this 
plan  of  disposing  of  our  dredged  material  was  not  an  availa- 
ble one,  unless  the  cars  should  be  so  heavily  constructed  as 
to  preclude  the  idea  of  operating  them  by  hand-power  alone. 

With  this  view,  it  has  been  thought  best  to  avail  ourselves 
of  a plan,  which  has  been  thus  far  in  successful  operation  for 
the  harbor  improvement  of  Baltimore. 

It  consists  of  a steam  engine  of  10-liorse  power,  and 
crane,  with  hoisting  apparatus,  erected  upon  a boat  of  smal 


48 


draught,  but  extensive  deck  capacity,  by  which  the  dredged 
material  is  raised  in  buckets,  fdled  by  the  dredge,  and  ranged 
in  rows  on  the  decks  of  lighters,  which  are  towed  alongside 
the  crane  boat,  stationed  at  the  crib  work. 

This  plan  works  wrell,  and  can  be  adopted  here  at  compa- 
ratively moderate  cost,  as  the  two  large  lighters,  recently  con- 
structed, are  remarkably  well  adapted  to  this  work — one  for 
the  engine  and  crane,  and  the  other  for  the  tubs  or  buckets. 

The  engine  and  iron  work  of  the  hoisting  apparatus,  Avas 
built  by  Messrs.  Reeder  & Sons,  of  Baltimore,  at  a cost  of 
§2,7 50 — and  they  offer  to  build  a similar  one  for  us  for 
$2,650,  delivered  on  board  of  a vessel  in  Baltimore,  or  for 
$3,000  erected  and  in  working  order  on  board  our  boat  in 
Richmond. 

The  crane  and  buckets  can  be  constructed  under  our  own 
supervision  here,  and  at  considerably  less  cost  than  the  prices 
paid  by  the  city  of  Baltimore  for  similar  work. 

Capt.  Allen  of  the  Committee,  and  Mr.  Charles  J.  Fox,  an 
experienced  ship  carpenter,  accompanied  me  to  Baltimore  to 
inspect  this  method  of  disposing  of  and  retaining  the  dredged 
material,  and  by  actual  observation  the  conclusion  was  come 
to,  that  it  would  he  best  to  adopt  the  same  plan  for  the  im- 
provement of  James  river. 

If  the  Committee  shall  decide  to  adopt  this  plan,  there  will 
be  required  one  (1)  10-horse  power  engine,  with  hoisting  ap- 
paratus, to  be  erected  upon  one  of  our  recently  constructed 
flat  boats,  46  buckets,  (to  he  made  after  the  plan  of  one 
courteously  tendered  to  me  by  Capt.  Cooper,  the  Port-warden 
of  Baltimore,)  27  of  which  will  be  used  upon  the  deck  of  our 
other  flat  boats,  and  the  balance  of  18  on  the  deck  of  a flat 
boat,  which  will  be  required,  of  51  feet  length  and  19  feet 
breadth  of  beam. 

As  the  dumping  cars  have  proved  unavailable  for  the  work 
they  were  required  to  perform,  it  appears  advisable  to  sell 


49 

them,  in  order  that  they  may  not  remain  an  expense  upon  our 
hands. 

The  purchase  money  can  be  applied  towards  defraying  the 
expense  of  the  boat  and  buckets. 

Respectfully  yours, 

R.  D.  MINOR, 

Encfr  James  River  Imp't 


50 


U.  S.  Engineer  Office, 
Baltimore,  Bid  , July  14th,  1871. 
Col.  Albert  Ordway,  Uhm’n  of 

Supervisory  Board  for  Improvement  of  James  River 
on  the  part  of  the  City  of  Richmond : 

Colonel — I have  the  pleasure  of  giving  you  official  notice 
of  the  fact  that,  under  his  contract  with  the  United  States, 
Mr.  B.  Maillefert  has  removed  the  sunken  vessels,  &c.  near 
Drury’s  bluff,  so  as  to  give  a clear  channel  way  not  less  than 
250  feet  in  width,  and  18  feet  in  depth  at  low  water.  This  I 
regard  as  a very  important  step  in  the  improvement  of  the 
navigation  of  your  river. 

If  it  should  seem  desirable,  in  the  interests  of  your  com- 
merce, that  the  fact  just  mentioned  should  be  brought  to  thew 
notice  of  navigators  and  others,  I request  that  you  will  take 
such  steps  in  that  direction  as  may  seem  suitable. 

It  may,  in  this  connection,  be  of  interest  to  you  for  me  to 
state  that,  under  the  contract  just  referred  to.  Mr.  Maillefert 
has  also  accomplished  additional  important  results  in  the 
James  River  Improvement,  as  follows  : He  has  removed  from 
the  river  at  Warwick  the  wrecks  of  three  schooners ; at 
Graveyard  Reach  the  wrecks  of  the  Gallego  and  Plume  ; and 
below  Aiken’s,  some  forty  piles,  the  remains  of  an  old  bridge. 

Under  another  contract  with  the  U.  S.  Engineer  Depart- 
ment, dated  June  10th,  1871,  Mr.  Maillefert  has  entered 
upon  other  removals,  as  follows:  At  Drewry’s  bluff,  the  re- 
mainder of  the  steamer  Jamestown,  the  steamer  Virginia,  the 
steamer  Fredericksburg,  the  steamer  Beaufort,  the  schooner 
Wythe,  the  brig  Marcus,  and  parts  of  several  remaining  stone 
cribs  ; at  Wilton,  some  forty  or  fifty  piles,  remains  of  an  old 
bridge  and  part  of  a steamer. 


51 


Under  another  contract  with,  the  U.  S.  Engineer  Depart- 
ment, the  American  Dredging  Company  of  Philadelphia  will 
soon  complete  their  work  of  opening  the  cut-off  at  Dutch 
Gap,  giving  a depth  of  18  feet  at  high  water,  and  a width  of 
not  less  than  100  feet. 

Under  another  contract  with  the  U.  S.  Engineer  Depart- 
ment, Messrs.  Kalmbach  and  Barton  are  about  to  open  a 
channel  through  the  rock  at  Rocketts  reef,  giving  a depth  of 
18  feet  at  high  water,  and  a width  of  125  feet.  I have  no 
doubt  of  the  successful  completion  of  that  important  step  in 
the  improvement  of  the  river. 

I will  conclude  this  communication,  already  too  long,  by 
again  calling  attention  to  one  feature  of  the  work  undertaken 
by  the  United  States  at  Rocketts,  Drewry’s,  and  at  Dutch 
Gap.  At  each  of  these  points  the  channel-way  is  to  have  a 
depth  of  eighteen  feet. 

Thanking  yourself  and  other  officials  of  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond for  their  courtesy  on  all  occasions  of  my  intercourse 
with  them,  and  their  efforts  to  render  me  all  needed  assis- 
tance in  the  performance  of  the  duty  connected  with  the 
James  River  Improvement  which  has  been  entrusted  to  me 
by  the  General  Government, 

I remain,  very  respectfully, 

Your  ob’t  servant, 

WM.  P.  CRAIGHILL. 


52 


Richmond,  Ya.,  June  30,  1871. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 

Gentlemen — The  Joint  Com  nittee  on  the  Improvement  of 
James  River,  respectfully  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
progress  of  the  work  under  their  charge  since  the  date  of 
their  last  report,  March  1st  : 

At  that  time  we  had  completed  the  opening  of  the  channel 
through  Trent’s  Reach,  and  v me  engaged  in  preparations  for 
beginning  the  permanent  improvement  required  between  War- 
wick Bar  and  Richmond. 

There  existed  so  many  obs  ncles  to  the  unimpeded  naviga- 
tion of  the  river,  and  so  mar  just  causes  of  complaint  from 
vessels  trading  with  our  port  that  wdrile  the  plan  of  the  com- 
mittee for  permanent  irnpro  . uent  had  been  thoroughly  ma- 
tured, it  seemed  proper  be  re  entering  upon  it  that  some 
irregular  improvements  sin  Id  be  made,  -which,  even  though 
temporary,  would  facilita  commerce.  The  wharves  at 
Rocketts  had  become  filled  i to  such  an  extent  that  the  Xew 
York  steamers,  much  of  th  time,  laid  aground,  and  were  una- 
ble to  take  in  full  cargoes,  and  the  entrance  to  the  ship-locks 
of  the  dock  so  much  obstructed  that  vessels  daily  experienced 
great  trouble  in  passing  in  and  out.  We,  therefore,  deemed 
it  proper  to  put  the  dredge  at  work  at  those  points.  This  work 
was  continued  and  completed  about  the  time  of  the  heavy 
freshes  in  May.  We  removed  during  that  time  15,700  cubic 
yards  of  sand,  besides  many  heavy  pieces  of  stone  and  large 
logs,  which  obstructed  the  channel-way. 

During  the  progress  of  this  work  the  new  dredge  boat 
pile  driver,  and  dumping  lighters  were  completed,  and  we 


immediately  began  the  construction  of  the  crib  work  or  dyke 
in  the  indentation  of  the  river  near  Warwick  Bar,  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  and  securing  the  dredged  material  when 
we  should  begin  operations  at  that  point. 

As  stated  in  our  early  reports,  the  plan  of  the  committee 
contemplated  after  perfecting  the  necessary  machinery  for 
carrying  on  our  work,  to  begin  operations  at  Warwick  Bar, 
and  working  regularly  and  systematically  from  that  point, 
bring  first  a channel  250  feet  wTide  and  15  feet  deep  to  the 
wharves  at  Rocketts.  The  heavy  freshes  in  May,  lasting 
with  only  slight  interruption,  for  twelve  days,  not  only  com- 
pletely suspended  all  our  operations,  but  forced  us  to  vary 
somewhat  from  the  order  of  operations  we  had  decided  on. 
These  freshes  caused  the  channel-way  across  Richmond  Bar 
to  fill  with  sand  to  such  an  extent,  that  only  a depth  of  94- 
feet  could  be  carried  over  it  at  mean  low  tide.  We  immedi- 
ately decided  that  it  was  imperatively  necessary  to  relieve 
this  point  first,  and  as  soon  as  the  water  had  subsided  suffi- 
ciently for  the  dredges  to  work,  operations  were  at  once  com- 
menced at  that  point ; and  the  pile  driver  and  force  which  had 
previously  been  employed  in  preparing  the  cribs  at  Warwick 
Bar,  in  anticipation  of  our  beginning  work  there, were  at  once 
brought  up  to  Richmond  Bar,  and  have  been  carrying  for- 
ward the  crib  work  simultaneously  with  the  dumping  of  the 
dredged  material.  We  have  already  completed  a channel- 
way across  the  bar  25  feet  wide,  4500  feet  long,  and  15  feet 
deep  at  mean  low  tide  ; an  additional  cut  of  25  feet  is  now 
being  made  which  we  hope  to  complete  within  fifteen  days, 
and  the  work  will  be  continued  until  we  have  a channel-way 
across  the  bar  250  feet  wide,  and  15  feet  deep.  This  work, 
as  you  will  readily  perceive,  is  a portion  of  the  work  required 
under  our  plans  for  the  improvement  from  Warwick  Bar  to 
Rocketts,  and  therefore  so  much  accomplished  on  our  perma- 


54 


nent  improvement,  and  not  merely  a temporary  expedient  to 
relieve  navigation  at  that  point. 

We  have  labored  under  some  disadvantages  and  some  ad- 
ditional expense  in  our  dredging  operations  at  Richmond  Bar, 
from  the  fact  that  the  plans  we  had  adopted,  as  detailed  in  our 
previous  report  for  dumping  the  dredged  material  failedj 
when  put  into  practical  operation.  We,  ourselves,  do  not  feel 
responsible  for  such  failure,  and  also  must  fully  exonerate  our 
most  efficient  engineer,  whose  report  on  the  matter  we  here- 
with append.  It  was  a matter  of  experiment,  and  the  defi- 
ciencies which  we  found  on  putting  it  into  practical  operation, 
will  soon  be  remedied,  and  in  the  meantime  temporary  means 
have  been  used  which  have  prevented  any  interruption  in  the 
work. 

A question  having  risen  between  Mr.  Ilenry  Cox,  who 
owns  the  land  through  which  the  Dutch  Gap  canal  is  being 
cut,  and  the  United  States  authorities,  in  regard  to  damages 
and  the  payment  therefor,  the  matter  was  brought  to  the 
attention  of  your  committee,  and  received  most  careful  and 
lengthy  consideration.  We  deem  it  proper  to  lay  before  you 
the  reasons  which  governed  our  decision  in  the  matter. 

When  operations  were  first  begun  at  Dutch  Gap  by  the 
United  States,  Mr.  Cox  applied  to  the  engineers  in  charge  to 
know  if  and  in  what  manner  he  would  receive  compensation 
for  the  damages  ensuing  to  his  property.  Being  so  advised 
bv  them  he  called  a jury  of  freeholders  to  examine  the  pre- 
mises, who  presented  a full  report,  with  their  assessment  of 
value. 

This  report  was  forwarded  by  Mr.  Cox  to  the  United 
States  authorities,  with  the  request  for  action  on  their  part. 
It  was  returned  to  him  with  the  decision,  that  the  depart- 
ment was  not  authorized  to  pay  him  out  of  money  appro- 
priated, and  that  he  must  apply  to  Congress  for  special  relief. 


Mr.  Cox,  during  this  time,  expressed  a desire  not  to  interfere, 
i with  what  was  considered  a great  public  improvement,  though 

I determined  to  protect  his  private  rights.  Having  determined 
to  apply  for  an  injunction  against  the  contractors  working 
under  the  government,  he  first  brought  the  matter  before  our 
committee.  We  perceived  that  an  injunction  could  be  ob- 
tained, and  that  the  effect  of  it  would  be  a complete  abandon- 

; ment  of  the  work,  as  the  contractors  were  barely  paying  ex- 
penses under  their  contract.  If  the  work  was  thus  aban- 
i doned,  it  would  be  necessary  for  the  city  to  take  it  up  at  some 

II  future  time,  as  the  government  would  refuse  to  have  further 
i to  do  with  it,  and  when  so  taken  up  it  would  incur  to  the  city 

not  only  the  cost  of  carrying  the  work  through  at  its  own 
expense,  but  under  a much  higher  contract  than  the  one  now 
I existing.  One  further  consideration  was,  that  the  United 
| States  Engineers  and  ourselves  are  working  in  entire  accord 
! and  harmony  as  to  the  plans  for  the  permanent  improvement 
of  the  river,  and  even  if  these  damages  should  be  paid  out  of 
their  appropriation,  it  would  still  leave  us  to  make  up  the 
deficiency  of  that  amount  in  some  other  portion  of  the  work. 

Acting  under  all  these  considerations,  and  as  we  believed 
for  the  best  interests  of  the  city,  by  pushing  forward  these 
improvements  without  an  unnecessary  moment  of  delay,  we 
finally  agreed  to  pay  Mr.  Henry  Cox  the  damages  to  his  pro- 
perty, as  estimated  by  the  jury.  We  have  therefore  paid,  as 
will  be  seen  by  appended  report  of  our  engineer,  the  sum  of 
$7,500  to  Mr.  Cox,  as  damages  ; and  have  paid  him  at  the 
j rate  of  $100  per  acre,  for  6 acres  and  13  perches  of  land,  to 
be  occupied  by  the  canal,  which  land  has  been  deeded  by  him 
to  the  city  of  Richmond,  with  the  guarantee  to  allow  the 
occupation  in  future  of  any  more  land  that  may  be  required 
at  the  same  price  without  any  further  compensation  for 
damages. 


56 


In  our  report  of  March  1st,  we  conveyed  to  the  Council  the 
information  of  the  further  appropriation  by  Congress  of 
$50,000.  Col.  Craighill,  with  his  usual  courtesy,  consulted 
us  on  our  desires  in  regard  to  the  particular  part  of  the  work 
to  which  this  money  should  be  applied.  His  own  views  coin- 
cided entirely  with  our  desires  in  the  matter — which  were, 
that  the  city  on  its  part  should  occupy  itself  exclusively  in 
dredging,  and  that  the  government  appropriations  should  be 
applied  to  the  removal  of  the  artificial  obstructions,  and  the 
rocky  reefs  below  Rocketts.  The  obtaining  18  feet  of  water 
to  within  a short  distance  below  the  city,  is  a matter  compa- 
ratively easy  to  accomplish,  but  it  is  on  reaching  the  rocks 
that  the  most  difficult  and  expensive  portion  of  the  work  is 
met. 

We  have  reason,  therefore,  to  congratulate  ourselves  that 
this  portion  of  the  work  has  been  undertaken  by  the  govern- 
ment, and  will  be  under  the  direction  of  its  skillful  engineers. 
Our  own  engineer  has  afforded  all  the  services  his  time  would 
allow  in  assisting  to  make  a careful  survey  of  the  rock  for- 
mation of  the  bed  of  the  river.  This  survey  has  been  com- 
pleted, and  only  some  slight  preliminaries  remain  to  be  set- 
tled before  the  contractors  will  begin  on  this  most  important 
part  of  our  improvements. 

The  removal  of  the  obstructions  at  Drewry’s  Bluff  by  Prof. 
Maillefert,  under  his  contract  with  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment, has  been  finished,  and  he  is  now  engaged  in  cleaning 
out  the  channel  before  formally  reporting  his  work  as 
complete. 

At  Dutch  Gap  the  work  is  progressing  favorably,  and  each 
step  seems  to  increase  the  promise  of  its  success. 

In  our  report  of  March  1st,  we  called  the  attention  of  the 
Council  to  the  importance  of  some  early  action  in  regard  to 
the  improvement  of  Shoekoe  and  Gillies  creeks.  We  venture 


57 

again  to  refer  to  the  matter,  in  hopes  that  it  may  receive 
thorough  investigation  and  its  importance  realized  We  have 
driven  a line  of  piles  and  crib  work  across  the  mouth  of 
Gillies  creek,  one  foot  below  the  mean  of  high  tide — and  as 
soon  as  sufficient  time  has  elapsed  to  determine  the  effect  of 
the  experiment,  we  shall  report  the  result. 

But,  however,  successful  it  may  be,  it  is  but  a temporary 
expedient.  To  reach  permanent  results,  will  require  action  at 
the  origin  of  the  trouble. 

We  have  nothing  further  to  submit  at  this  time,  except  our 
usual  commendation  of  the  faithfulness  and  earnestness  with 
which  all  connected  with  the  improvement  carry  out  their 
respective  duties. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

ALBERT  ORDWAY, 
Chairman. 


8 


58 


Richmond,  V a.,  July  31,  1871. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 

Gentlemen — The  Joint  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of 
James  River,  respectfully  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
progress  of  the  work  under  their  charge  since  the  date  of 
their  last  report,  June  30th: 

We  have  been  engaged  during  the  entire  month  of  July  in 
continuing  the  dredging  operations  at  Richmond  Bar,  and 
simultaneously  carrying  on  the  crib  work,  to  receive  the  ma- 
terial as  dredged.  We  have  completed  a second  cut,  25  feet 
wide,  entirely  across  the  bar,  which  gives  us  now  a channel- 
way 50  feet  wide,  and  a depth  of  15  feet  at  mean  low  tide. 
We  have  started  on  the  third  cut  of  25  feet  width — and  this 
plan  will  be  continued  until  a width  of  250  feet  is  obtained,, 
as  stated  in  our  last  report. 

Work  on  the  machinery  in  connection  with  the  new  system  we 
have  adopted  for  dumping  the  dredged  material,  has  progressed 
favorably,  and  we  hope  soon  to  have  it  in  operation.  In 
the  meantime  our  dredging  is  not  retarded  or  allowed  to 
be  interrupted,  though  a slight  increase  of  cost  is  involved. 

In  regard  to  the  progress  of  the  work,  which  is  under  the 
control  and  direction  of  the  United  States  Engineers,  it  is 
with  great  pleasure  that  we  communicate  the  following  letter, 
received  from  Col.  Craighill,  in  charge.  It  communicates 
facts  accomplished  and  results  in  contemplation,  that  should 
cause  all  of  us,  with  confirmed  hopes  and  renewed  vigor,  to 
press  forward  the  great  work,  as  so  much  of  the  prosperity 
of  our  city  depends  not  only  on  its  successful,  but  on  its 
speedy  completion  : 


59 


U.  S.  Engineer  Office, 
Baltimore,  Md.,  July  14,  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordway,  Chairman  of 

Sup.  Board  for  Imp’ merit  of  Jas.  River 

on  the  part  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 

Colonel — I have  the  pleasure  of  giving  you  official  notice 
of  the  fact,  that  under  the  contract  -with  the  United  States, 
Mr.  B.  Maillefert  has  removed  the  sunken  vessels,  &c.,  near 
Drewry’s  Bluff,  so  as  to  give  a clear  channel-way  not  less  than 
250  feet  in  width  and  18  feet  in  depth,  at  low  water.  This 
I regard  as  a very  important  step  in  the  improvement  of  the 
navigation  of  your  river. 

If  it  should  seem  desirable,  in  the  interests  of  your  com- 
merce, that  the  fact  just  alluded  to,  should  he  brought  to  the 
notice  of  navigators  and  others,  I request  that  you  will  take 
such  steps  in  that  direction  as  may  seem  suitable. 

It  may,  in  this  connection,  be  of  interest  to  you  for  me  to 
state  that,  under  the  contract  just  referred  to,  Mr.  Maillefert 
has  also  accomplished  additional  important  results  in  the  James 
Biver  Improvement,  as  follows  : he  has  removed  from  the  river 
at  Warwick  the  wrecks  of  three  schooners,  at  Graveyard  Beach 
the  wrecks  of  the  Gallego  and  Plume  ; and  below  Aiken’s,  some 
forty  piles,  the  remains  of  an  old  bridge. 

Under  another  contract  with  the  United  States  Engineer 
Department,  dated  June  10th,  1871,  Mr.  Maillefert  has  en_ 
tered  upon  other  removals,  as  follows  : at  Drewry’s  Bluff,  the 
remainder  of  steamers  Jamestown,  Virginia,  Fredericksburg, 
Beaufort,  the  schooner  Wythe,  the  brig  Marcus,  and  parts  of 
several  remaining  stone  cribs  ; at  Wilton  some  forty  or  fifty 
piles,  remains  of  an  old  bridge,  and  part  of  a steamer. 


GO 


Under  another  contract  with  the  United  States  Engineer 
Department,  the  American  Dredging  Company  of  Philadel- 
phia will  soon  complete  their  work  of  opening  the  cut-off  at 
Dutch  Gap,  giving  a depth  of  eighteen  feet  at  high  water, 
and  a width  of  not  less  than  100  feet. 

Under  another  contract  with  the  United  States  Depart- 
ment, Messrs.  Kalenbach  and  Barton  are  about  to  open  a 
channel  through  the  rock  at  Rocketts  reef,  giving  a depth  of 
eighteen  feet  at  high  water,  and  a width  of  125  feet.  I have 
no  doubt  of  the  successful  completion  of  that  important  step 
in  the  improvement  of  the  river. 

I will  conclude  this  communication,  already  too  long,  by 
again  calling  attention  to  one  feature  of  the  work  undertaken 
by  the  United  States  at  Rocketts,  Drewry’s,  and  at  Dutch 
Gap.  At  each  of  these  points  the  channel-way  is  to  have  a 
depth  of  eighteen  feet. 

Thanking  yourself  and  other  officials  of  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond for  their  courtesy  on  all  occasions  of  my  intercourse 
with  them,  and  their  efforts  to  render  me  all  needed  assis- 
tance in  the  performance  of  the  duty  connected  with  the  James 
River  Improvement,  which  has  been  entrusted  to  me  by  the 
general  government, 

I remain,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obd’t  serv’t, 

(Signed,)  WM.  P.  CRAIGIIILL. 

We  beg  leave  to  call  your  particular  attention  to  several 
points  in  the  above  communication,  which  are  of  vital  in- 
terest. First,  that  while  the  original  idea  of  restoring  the 
channel  on  the  south  bank  of  the  river  at  Drewry  s Blufl  has 
been  accomplished,  and  a channel-way  of  250  feet  width 
given,  it  has  now  been  determined  also  to  entirely  remove 
every  vestige  of  artificial  obstruction  in  the  river.  Also,  that 


61 


in  the  opening  of  the  Dutch  Gap  canal.,  and  cutting  a chan- 
nel way  through  rocks  at  Rocketts  reef,  the  standard  of 
eighteen  feet  depth  has  been  adopted  on  the  part  of  the  gov- 
ernment. 

Not  only  does  the  committee  deeply  appreciate  the  constant 
and  skillful  efforts  of  Col.  Craighill,  in  carrying  out  the  im- 
provements, which  are  to  result  in  such  great  good  to  us,  but 
we  feel  that  they  should  also  be  appreciated  and  recognized  by 
your  OAvn  honorable  body,  and  every  citizen  who  has  the 
prosperity  of  our  conpmerce  at  heart. 

While  the  duties  of  this  committee  naturally  keep  con- 
stantly before  our  minds  the  commercial  interests  of  the  city, 
we  do  not  deem  it  our  province  to  advert  to  the  policy  to  be 
followed  in  securing  for  them  the  concentration  of  proposed 
railroad  improvements.  But  we  deem  it  proper  to  advise, 
that  our  experience  thus  far  has  demonstrated  the  complete 
feasibility  of  the  improvements  committed  to  our  charge,  and 
that  we  may  safely  offer  all  the  facilities  for  free  and  uninter- 
rupted navigation,  with  a depth  of  eighteen  feet  of  water,  to 
any  trade  that  may  be  secured.  With  such  facilities,  and 
the  advantages  of  position  in  favor  of  our  city,  we  can  but 
feel  confident  of  the  future,  and  that  the  course  of  trade  by 
wise  and  liberal  legislation  can  easily  be  turned  in  our  favor. 

We  desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  present  Council  to 
our  report  of  March  1st,  and  the  report  of  Thos.  W.  McCance, 
Esq.,  on  4th  of  October,  1853,  in  relation  to  the  property 
situated  between  the  canal,  dock  and  river,  from  or  near 
Mayo’s  bridge,  to  the  ship-locks  We  consider  this  matter 
of  great  interest  and  vital  importance,  and  would  request  that 
the  City  Attorney  be  directed  to  give  it  a thorough  investi- 
gation, as  before  recommended. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

ALBERT  ORDWAY, 

Chairman. 


62 


On  a motion  of  Mr,  Isaacs,  the  Council  adopted  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolution,  which  the  clerk  was  directed  to 
communicate  to  the  officer  first  named  therein  : 

Whereas  the  reports  of  the  Committee  on  the  Improvement 
of  James  River,  this  day  presented  to  us,  do  convey  the  in- 
formation of  successful  results'  already  accomplished,  and 
plans  in  operation  which  will  contribute  greatly  to  the  com- 
mercial facilities  of  our  city,  and  for  which  we  are  indebted 
to  the  skill  and  energy  of  the  United  States  Engineer,  having 
charge  of  the  disbursement  of  the  government  appropriations, 
therefore  he  it 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Council  as  representing 
the  city  of  Richmond,  be  conveyed  to  Col.  W,  P.  Craighill, 
Corps  of  Engineers  United  States  Army,  N.  II.  Hutton, 
Esq.,  and  the  other  officers  under  his  direction,  for  their  con- 
stant and  courteous  efforts  to  carry  out  the  improvements  in 
James  river,  in  such  manner  as  will  contribute  most  to  the 
good  of  our  city,  and  an  assurance  of  our  appreciation  of  the 
value  of  results  already  accomplished. 


HISTORY 

OF  TIIE 

Proceedings  of  the  City  Council, 

IN  RELATION  TO 


THE  IMPROVEMENT  OF  JAMES  RIVER, 

IFZROUVE  1829  TO  1371- 


9 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 

COUNCIL  OF  THE  CITY  OF  RICHMOND, 

In  relation  to  the  Improvement  of  James  River . 

Preamble  and  Resolutions  adopted  and  Committees  appointed. \ 
September  3d,  1829. 

Whereas  there  exist  in  the  lower  James  river  serious  ob- 
structions to  its  easy  navigation,  whereby  most  of  the  large 
sea  vessels  engaged  in  foreign  commerce  are  prevented  from 
advancing  higher  up  the  river  than  Warwick,  and  are  com- 
pelled at  that  and  other  places  below,  to  discharge  or  tran- 
ship their  inward  and  to  receive  their  outward  cargoes,  at  a 
great  inconvenience  to  the  merchants  and  others  engaged  in 
or  connected  with  commercial  pursuits  in  Richmond,  at  much 
hazard,  cost  and  loss  to  both  the  owners  of  merchandise  and 
ship  owners,  and  at  the  sacrifice  of  the  comfort,  health  and 
lives  of  the  captains  and  crews  of  the  vessels,  while  the  de- 
lays and  perplexities  attending  the  trade  on  the  river  are 
greatly  injurious  to  the  commercial  advancement  of  all  the 
towns  on  its  tidewater  border.  Should  these  obstructions 
and  difficulties  to  commercial  enterprise  be  removed,  and 
those  aids  and  facilities  given  to  the  commerce  of  James  river, 
of  which  it  is  believed  to  be  highly  susceptible,  great  and 
decided  advantages  would  result  to  every  class  of  our  citi- 
zens. A new  impulse  would  be  given  to  public  enterprise, 
and  with  it  the  prosperity  of  all  the  country  and  towns 


68 


bordering  on  lower  James  river  be  greatly  advanced  ; while 
it  would  constitute  the  finishing  link  in  the  extensive  and 
noble  undertaking  of  uniting  the  eastern  and  western 
trade  by  the  James  and  Kanawha  rivers.  Nor  should 
the  expense  attending  this  work  forbid  its  execution  ; it  will 
be  inconsiderable  when  contrasted  with  the  very  striking 
advantages  resulting  from  its  completion.  However  decidedly 
and  deliberately  the  Hall  entertain  these  opinions,  they  are 
indisposed  to  act  on  them  hastily,  or  to  desire  others  to  do  so, 
without  the  most  careful  examination  and  thorough  inquiry, 
aided  by  the  best  information  which  can  be  obtained  from  the 
most  skillful,  intelligent  and  experienced  engineers  of  the 
country. 

Resolved,  ihtrefore,  That  a respectful  application  be 
addressed  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  requesting 
that  he  would  order  the  Secretary  of  War  to  detail  one  or 
more  of  the  engineers  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  Ignited 
States,  to  examine  and  survey  James  river  from  Newport 
Neuce  Point  to  Richmond ; to  ascertain  the  various  obstruc- 
tions, the  removal  of  which  would  at  all  times  admit  its  free 
navigation  by  vessels  drawing  at  least  seventeen  feet ; to  in- 
quire into  the  practicability  of  removing  such  obstructions  ; 
and,  generally,  to  prepare  and  submit  the  most  permanent 
and  effectual  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of 
the  river,  with  an  estimate  of  the  probable  cost  thereof. 

Resolved,  also , That  a petition  to  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States  be  prepared  and  submitted  to  the  citizens  of 
this  city,  and  others  engaged  in  the  navigation  of  the  river, 
for  their  signatures,  praying  an  adequate  appropriation  for 
executing  any  improvement  in  the  said  navigation,  which  may 
be  recommended  by  the  engineers  to  be  executed.  And  that 
copies  of  such  petition  be  forwarded  to  the  honorable  Little- 
ton W.  Tazewell,  to  the  honorable  John  Tyler,  and  to  the 


69 


honorable  Andrew  Stevenson,  with  a respective  request  to 
each  that  they  will  give  their  active  aid  and  co-operation  in 
procuring  the  enactment  of  a law  making  the  appropriation 
aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hall  will  proceed  now  to  the  choice,  by 
ballot,  of  nine  persons,  to  constitute  a committee,  for  carry- 
ing into  effect  the  first  resolution  ; and  of  nine  to  carry  into 
effect  the  second  resolution,  and  that  the  selection  of  such 
committee  shall  not  be  confined  to  the  members  of  the  ITall. 

Committees  chosen  under  first  resolution — Messrs.  John 
Marshall,  Robert  Pollard,  John  Enders,  Joseph  Tate,  Ja- 
quelin  B.  Ilarvie,  John  A.  Lancaster,  John  Rutherfoord, 
Robert  G.  Scott  and  William  Galt. 

Under  second  resolution — Messrs.  Robert  G.  Scott,  Ed- 
mund W.  Rootes,  Joseph  Marx,  Richard  Anderson,  Samuel 
Sublett,  Gustavus  Lucke,  Asa  Otis,  John  Goddin  and  John 
Brockenbrough. 

In  Council,  May  9,  1836  : 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Scott,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted : 

Resolved,  That  John  Robertson,  Esq.,  the  representative 
in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  from  this  district,  be  and 
he  is  hereby  requsted,  to  endeavor  to  obtain  an  adequate  ap- 
propriation by  Congress  for  removing  the  obstructions  in 
James  river,  below  this  city,  and  which  constitute  great  ob- 
stacles to  an  easy  and  safe  navigation  of  that  river  by  sea 
vessels  into  the  harbor  of  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  Hall  be  and  he  is 
hereby  requested  to  furnish  Mr.  Robertson  with  a copy  of 
the  foregoing  resolution. 

October  10th,  1836: 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Scott,  the  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lution were  adopted  : 


TO 


It  being  represented  to  the  Hall,  that  Mr.  Stansbury,  an 
engineer  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  is  now  in  this 
city,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a survey  of  the  lower  James 
river,  and  of  preparing  a plan,  and  submitting  an  estimate 
of  the  costs  of  removing  the  obstructions  to  the  navigation  of 
said  river ; and  that  the  prompt  acquisition  of  information  in 
regard  to  the  location  and  extent  of  the  said  obstructions, 
will  very  much  promote  the  complete  and  successful  execution 
of  the  survey  contemplated  to  be  made : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  a committee  of  five  be  appointed 
to  confer  with  Mr.  Stansbury  in  regard  to  the  proposed  sur- 
vey ; and  if  it  shall  be  found  necessary,  that  the  said  commit- 
tee be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  engnge  the  services 
of  some  one  familiar  with  the  navigation  of  the  lower  James 
river,  to  accompany  Mr.  Stansbury,  and  to  inform  him  in 
regard  to  the  situation  and  character  of  any  obstructions 
existing  in  the  same.  And  a committee  was  appointed,  of 
Messrs.  Scott,  Caskie,  Lancaster,  Sublett  and  Burke. 

May  26th,  1843: 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ludlam, 

Resolved l,  That  as  the  commerce  of  our  city  suffers  serious 
inconvenience  from  the  obstructions,  caused  by  a ledge  of 
rocks  lying  immediately  below  Rocketcs,  and  from  the  accu- 
mulation of  sand  upon  Warwick  bar,  it  is  expedient  that  these 
obstructions  should  be  removed  ; and  that  a committee  be 
appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Board  of  the  James  River  and 
Kanawha  Company,  and  ascertain  whether  the  machine  be- 
longing to  them  can  be  obtained  for  the  above  purpose  ; and 
also  to  ascertain  at  what  cost  these  obstructions  can  be 
removed,  and  to  report  to  the  Council  the  result  of  their 
inquiries. 

A committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  of  Messrs.  Lud- 
lam, Clarke  and  Hobson. 


71 


June  12th,  1843  : 

Mr.  Ludlam  presented  the  following  report  : 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Council  on  the  26th  day 
of  May,  to  make  inquiry  in  regard  to  the  removal  of  the 
rocks  immediately  below  Rocketts,  and  the  obstructions  on 
Warwick  bar,  beg  leave  to  report : that  they  have  obtained 
from  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Company,  the  privilege 
of  using  the  dredging  machine  belonging  to  said  company, 
free  of  charge,  should  it  be  required,  either  at  the  rocks  or 
Warwick  bar.  The  chairman  of  our  committee  has  obtained 
from  the  Harbor  Master  a list  of  some  of  the  losses  that  have 
occurred  on  account  of  the  said  obstructions,  and  has  no 
doubt  that  if  all  the  injuries  sustained  by  vessels  trading  to 
our  city  had  been  enumerated,  the  amount  would  have  been 
nearly  double  that  stated  in  our  report.  The  annexed  is  a 
copy  of  the  list  furnished  by  Capt.  Burk,  the  Harbor  Master, 
with  a memorandum  of  the  loss  sustained  on  each  vessel,  at  a 
very  moderate  estimate  ; and  in  several  instances,  Capt.  Burk 
says,  he  believes  that  but  for  the  timely  and  efficient  aid  ren- 
dered by  the  citizens  at  Rocketts,  and  the  crews  of  vessels 
lying  there,  a much  heavier  loss  would  have  resulted  to  vessels 
that  have  unfortunately  struck  upon  these  rocks.  He  men- 
tioned particularly  the  packet  schooner  Wasp,  laden  with 
tobacco,  flour  and  other  merchandise,  which  vessel,  in  ten 
minutes  after  leaving  the  wharf  for  New  York,  at  mid-day, 
struck  upon  the  rocks,  and  would  have  filled  with  water,  but 
for  the  exertions  in  pumping  and  bailing.  Had  this  accident, 
as  well  as  many  others  that  might  be  named,  occurred  at 
night,  the  result  must  have  been  much  more  disastrous.  As 
some  objection  may  be  entertained  by  the  Council,  in  making 
appropriations  for  removing  obstructions  from  the  river  clearly 
without  the  harbor  of  the  city  of  Richmond,  and  as  this  com- 
mittee regards  the  rocks  as  the  greater  evil,  and  find  that 
they  can  be  removed  at  a very  moderate  cost,  they  have 


directed  their  attention  more  particularly  to  them.  From  an 
estimate  furnished  by  Mr.  Chas.  0.  Sanford,  it  appears  that 
it  will  require  but  three  thousand  dollars  to  remove  said 
rocks,  and  that  a channel  will  then  be  afforded  of  two  feet 
more  than  at  present ; this  is  regarded  a sufficient  depth  for 
the  largest  sized  vessels  now  trading  to  our  port.  The  chair- 
man of  our  committee  has  written  to  the  agents  of  the  various 
lines  of  Richmond  packets  and  steamboats  at  Norfolk,  Balti- 
more, Philadelphia  and  New  York,  and  stated  that  as  this 
work  would  probably  have  to  be  done  by  subscription,  they 
would  have  to  contribute  something  towards  it.  A reply  has 
only  been  received,  so  far,  from  Baltimore,  which  is  herewith 
submitted.  The  chairman  also  made  an  application  last  Mon- 
day, to  the  Directors  of  the  Virginia  Fire  and  Marine  Insu- 
rance Company,  who  this  morning  voted  unanimously  an 
appropriation  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  towards  the 
work,  provided  the  balance  necessary  to  the  completion  of  it 
should  be  obtained.  This  committee  has  little  doubt,  that 
should  two  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  towards  the  un- 
dertaking, the  balance  could  be  readily  made  up  from  indivi- 
dual subscription.  It  is  deemed  unnecessary  by  your  com- 
mittee to  urge  upon  the  Council  the  necessity  of  having 
these  hidden  and  dangerous  enemies  of  our  commerce 
removed  from  the  channel  of  the  river.  The  annexed  list 
will  sIioav  how  great  has  been,  and  how  much  greater 
might  have  been  the  losses  resulting  therefrom.  They 
will  here  close  their  report,  by  referring  to  an  outlay  of 
a thousand  dollars  by  a former  Council  a few  years  since,  for 
removing  a vessel  from  the  bar,  which  was  lost  there  and  sunk 
in  the  channel.  After  numerous  efforts  to  compel  the  owners 
of  this  vessel,  (the  brig  Cobhesconti,)  to  remove  her  from  the 
channel,  which  proved  ineffectual — she  was  finally  removed 
by  the  City  Council  at  the  above  cost.  Laying  aside,  there- 
fore, all  considerations  for  our  mercantile  and  commercial  in- 


teres  t-s,  we  leave  it  to  the  Council  to  decide  whether  an  out- 
lay of  tAVO  thousand  dollars  would  not  be  a judicious  one  on 
the  part  of  the  city,  in  order  to  obviate  the  liability  of  such 
further  expenses. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

And  the  foregoing  report  having  been  read,  together  with 
the  list  of  vessels  injured  on  the  rocks,  and  the  probable 
amount  of  damage  sustained,  which  is  estimated  at  eight 
thousand  dollars,  besides  several  vessels  the  damage  to  which 
could  not  be  ascertained. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  laid  on  the  table. 

June  2Gtli,  1843  • 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ludlam,  the  following  resolution  was 
adopted  : 

Resolved , That  the  Council  will  appropriate  towards  the 
expense  of  removing  the  rocks  from  the  harbor,  immediately 
below  Rocketts,  two-thirds  of  the  expense,  when  the  work  is 
fully  and  satisfactorily  completed,  yielding  a channel  of  one 
hundred  feet  wide,  and  two  feet  additional  depth  of  water, 
provided  the  whole  expense  shall  not  exceed  three  thousand 
dollars — the  said  Avork  to  be  done  under  the  direction  of  a 
committee  appointed  by  the  Council.  And  that  the  said  com- 
mittee report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Council,  a scheme  of 
a contract  in  conformity  with  the  principles  of  this  resolution. 

November  13th,  1843  : 

Be  it  resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  prepare 
two  memorials,  addressed  to  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States — one  in  the  name  of  the  city  of  Richmond,  by  the 
Council,  and  the  other  in  the  name  of  the  citizens  of  Rich- 
mond, merchants  and  others,  asking  the  passage  of  a law,  and 
an  appropriation  for  the  improArement  of  the  tidewater  navi° 
10 


gation  of  James  river,  by  the  removal  of  bars  and  other  ob- 
structions, and  by  such  other  works  as  may  be  required. 

Resolved , That  an  agent  be  appointed  by  the  Council,  to 
attend  in  the  city  of  Washington,  on  the  next  session  of  Con- 
gress, for  the  purpose  of  seeing  to  the  due  presentation  of  the 
said  memorials,  and  urging  the  passage  of  a law  in  confor- 
mity thereto  ; and  that  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  be 
appropriated  out  of  the  city  revenue  for  the  compensation  of 
his  services.  And  Messrs.  Wickham,  Ludlam  anl  Haskins, 
were  appointed  a committee  under  first  resolution,  and  Mr. 
John  Brockenbrough,  agent,  under  second  resolution. 

[The  following  is  the  preamble  to  the  foregoing  resolutions, 
which,  with  the  resolutions,  was  laid  on  the  table  October 
12th,  1813,  and  adopted  November  13th,  1843.] 

Whereas  it  has  been  ascertained,  as  far  as  such  facts  can  be 
ascertained,  previous  to  actual  experiment,  that  the  naviga- 
tion of  James  river,  below  the  city  of  Richmond,  at  an  ex- 
pense, which  may  be  regarded  as  moderate  for  so  important 
an  object,  may  be  so  improved  as  to  bring  close  to  the  city  o£ 
Richmond  vessels  of  the  largest  class  engaged  in  the  trade  of 
this  river,  thereby  contributing  greatly  to  the  economy  and 
facility  of  shipping,  and  to  the  health  of  the  crews  of  vessels, 
who  would  be  removed  from  most  unwholesome  stations  to  the 
healthiest  spot  on  the  tide-water  of  the  river,  the  port  of 
Richmond  ; and  whereas  this  river,  from  the  magnitude  of  its 
trade,  and  the  number  of  ships,  and  quantity  of  tonnage  en- 
gaged in  it,  which  it  is  believed  are  little  understood,  and 
greatly  underrated  by  the  public  at  large,  justly  demand  the 
attention  of  government,  by  which  it  has  been  hitherto  wholly 
neglected  and  left  in  a state  of  nature  ; and  whereas  the 
means  of  the  State  government  have  been  liberally  employed 
in  the  improvement  of  the  upper  navigation,  which  lies  wholly 
within  its  jurisdiction,  and  it  cannot  be  expected  to  engage 


75 


its  resources,  already  heavily  charged  with  that  and  similar 
undertakings,  in  facilitating  the  navigation  below  Richmond, 
over  which  it  cannot  by  law  exercise  any  control,  and  from 
which  it  can  derive  no  revenue.  And,  on  the  contrary,  the 
General  Government  has  by  law  the  whole  control  over  this 
navigation,  and  derives  a great  revenue  from  it,  cither  directly 
in  duties  collected  here,  or  indirectly  in  duties  collected  else- 
where on  the  returns  for  shipments  made  from  this  river  ; and 
it  is  therefore  bound  to  provide  for  the  safety  of  this  naviga- 
tion, and  to  facilitate  its  convenience  and  extension;  and 
whereas  great  sums  of  money  have  been  expended  by  the 
General  Government  in  improving  the  navigation  of  other 
rivers,  navigable  by  sea  vessels,  some  of  them  of  much  less 
importance  than  James  river  ; and  it  is  believed  that  but  for 
the  neglect  or  opposition,  or  aversion  of  those  who  ought  to 
have  attended  to  this  interest,  this  river  would,  in  common 
with  others,  have  received  the  care  of  that  government  which 
controls  its  navigation,  and  receives  the  proper  fund  out  of 
which  it  should  be  improved,  to  wit  : the  revenues  derived 
from  it ; and  whereas  it  is  expedient  that  some  decided  and 
vigorous  measure  should  be  adopted  on  this  subject,  and  it  is 
apprehended  that  no  cordial  and  zealous  support  can  be  expected 
from  our  present  representative  in  Congress,  whose  constitu- 
tional scruples  on  this  subject  are  well  known  : Therefore,  &c. 

March  9th,  1846  : 

Resolved,  That  James  Lyons  and  Robert  G.  Scott,  Esqs. , 
be  appointed  an  agency,  to  proceed  to  Washington,  and  use 
their  efforts  to  obtain  from  Congress  an  appropriation  for 
clearing  out  the  obstructions  in  James  river,  from  Harrison's 
Bar  to  the  city  of  Richmond  ; and  that  the  Chamberlain 
place  at  their  disposal  Ml  papers  relating  thereto  which  may 
be  in  his  possession,  in  accordance  with  a resolution  of  the 
City  Council  of  the  8th  day  of  December  last. 


76 


Resolved That  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  be  paid 
over  to  them  by  the  Chamberlain,  for  the  purpose  of  defray- 
ing any  expenses  they  may  incur  in  the  discharge  of  the 
above  duties. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  requested  to  inform  the 
said  gentlemen  of  their  appointment  forthwith. 

November  10th,  1851 : 

The  following  report,  which  was  laid  upon  the  table  on  the 
10th  inst.,  was  taken  up  : 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of  a 
large  number  of  citizens,  in  relation  to  the  importance  of  the 
improvement  of  the  navigation  of  James  river,  respectfully 
submit  the  following  report : 

On  the  0th  of  May,  1836,  the  Council,  on  the  motion  of 
Mr.  Robert  G.  Scott,  requested  John  Robertson,  Esq.,  then 
the  representative  in  Congress,  from  this  district,  to  obtain 
an  adequate  appropriation  by  Congress,  for  removing  the  ob- 
structions in  James  river,  below  this  city.  Within  two  months 
after  this  resolution,  Congress  passed  the  act  of  the  4th  of 
July,  1836,  whereby  there  was  placed  at  the  disposition  of  the 
President  sums  of  money  for  various  objects — among  which 
was  five  hundred  dollars  for  a survey  of  James  river,  with  a 
view  of  improving  the  harbor  of  Richmond.  Under  this  act, 
Mr.  Howard  Stansbury,  a Civil  Engineer  of  the  United 
States,  made  a survey  of  James  river  in  the  fall  of  1836. 
When  he  was  in  Richmond  that  fall,  the  Council  appointed  a 
committee  to  confer  with  him,  and  engage  a person  familiar 
with  the  navigation  of  the  river  to  accompany  him,  and  in- 
form him  in  regard  to  the  situation  and  character  of  the  ob- 
structions in  it.  After  a conference  with  the  committee,  Mr. 
Stansbury,  with  the  aid  of  an  old  and  experienced  pilot,  pro- 
ceeded to  examine  James  river  from  Richmond  to  its  mouth. 
In  the  latter  part  of  January,  1837,  he  made  his  report  to 


Col.  Abert,  (a  Topographical  Engineer  of  the  United  States 
Army,)  wherein  he  pointed  out  the  nature  and  extent  of  the 
obstructions,  together  wTith  the  means  (which  he  deemed 
proper)  to  be  applied  to  their  removal.  Commencing  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  Mr.  Stansbury  mentions  : 1.  The  White 
Shoals,  and  the  necessity  of  a buoy  to  point  out  their  posi- 
tion. 2.  About  five  miles  above  the  White  Shoals,  a reef 
projecting  from  Day’s  Point,  on  the  south,  requiring  only  to 
be  denoted  in  like  manner,  to  be  easily  avoided.  3.  After 
the  channel  from  Day’s  Point,  is  nearly  due  west,  for  about 
four  miles,  a spot  (where  it  turns  directly  to  the  north,)  de- 
nominated the  Point  of  Shoals,  where  there  will  be  necessity 
for  a small  light  directly  upon  the  point  of  the  reef,  to  indi- 
cate its  position,  and  for  four  buoys,  to  mark  two  narrow 
passages.  4.  Eight  miles  above  the  point  of  shoals,  two  reefs, 
termed  Lyons’  Creek  Shoals,  and  Deep  Water  Shoals,  ap- 
proaching from  opposite  sides  of  the  river,  to  within  three 
hundred  yards  of  each  other,  and  the  necessity  for  a buoy  off 
the  point  of  each  of  these,  and  off  the  point  of  Hog  Island 
Shoals,  and  off  Swan’s  Point,  opposite  Jamestown,  and  at 
each  end  of  the  shoal  termed  the  “ Goosehill  Flats.”  These 
are  all  the  obstructions  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Stansbury  below 
Harrison’s  Bar.  They  required  an  expenditure  compara- 
tively small ; and  for  some  of  them  Congress  has  made  pro- 
vision, in  its  acts  appropriating  money  for  light-houses,  light- 
boats,  beacon-lights,  buoys,  &c.  Thus,  by  an  act  of  the  7th 
of  July,  1838,  it  appropriated  two  thousand  dollars  for  placing- 
spar  buoys  in  James  river,  between  Day’s  Point  and  Rich- 
mond city  ; and  by  an  act  of  the  28th  of  September,  1850, 
three  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  for  four  beacons  in  James 
river,  viz  : one  on  White  Shoal,  one  on  Blavess  Bluff  Shoal, 
one  on  Point  Shoal,  and  one  on  Deep  Water  Shoal. 


78 


We  come  now  to  the  most  importrnt  obstruction — that  at 
Harrison’s  Bar,  five  miles  below  City  Point — an  obstruction, 
the  removal  of  which,  is  a matter  of  great  interest  to  Peters- 
burg as  well  as  Richmond.  At  this  bar  Mr.  Stansbury  pro- 
posed to  dredge  a channel,  two  hundred  yards  wide,  to  a depth 
of  seventeen  feet  at  high  water  ; to  have  two  buoys  at  each 
end  to  mark  the  exact  position  of  the  passage,  and  to  cut  off 
the  point  of  the  shoal  making  out  from  Harrison’s  Point. 
The  straightening  the  channel  thus,  Mr.  Stansbury  was  con- 
fident would  prove  a valuable  and  permanent  improvement ; 
for,  in  his  opinion,  the  bar  is  not  44  a mere  deposit  of  sedi- 
ment made  by  the  river,  but  a portion  of  its  original  bed, 
which  the  current,  owing  to  its  protected  situation,  and  the 
nature  of  the  earth  of  which  it  is  formed,  has  been  unable  to 
corrode  and  carry  away  ; but  which,  once  removed,  would 
not  he  likely  to  form  again."  In  this  opinion,  Mr.  Stans 
bury  is  supported  by  Mr.  Edmund  Ruffin.  This  gentleman, 
while  residing  at  Coggin’s  Point,  having  caused  to  be  sunk 
two  shafts,  one  of  them  forty-nine  feet  below  high  tide,  de- 
scribes in  his  essay  on  calcareous  manures,  the  different 
strata  exposed  by  sinking  these  shafts,  and  makes  these  re- 
marks— 44  The  whole  bottom  of  the  river  across  to  Berkeley, 
(below  the  thin  covering  of  loose  and  soft  mud,)  according  to 
its  variation  of  depth,  must  be  formed  of  one  or  another  of 
the  same  layers,  shown  in  this  digging  of  forty-nine  feet  be- 
low the  water  level  ; and  of  course  Harrison's  Bar,  which 
lies  between  the  Coyyin's  and  Berkeley  shores,  must  be  so 
formed.  No  earth  more  strongly  resists  the  washing  action  of 
water  than  the  gypseous  earth,  even  when  the  least  mixed 
with  clay.  This  peculiar  quality  must  be  the  cause  of  the 
existence  of  this  bar,  which  presents  so  serious  an  obstacle  to 
the  navigation  of  the  river  ; and  it  may  be  thence  inferred 
what  would  be  the  degree  of  difficulty  of  its  removal,  and 
also  that  the  removal,  if  effected,  would  be  permanent." 


79 


The  quantity  of  earth  necessary  to  be  excavated  at  Harri- 
son’s Bar,  Mr.  Stansbury  estimates,  will  amount  to  sixty- 
seven  thousand  cubic  yards.  The  removal  of  the  obstruction 
at  this  bar  would  open  an  ug&nterrupted  navigation  for  ves- 
sels requiring  seventeen  feet,  to  Cox’s  Bar,  about  twenty 
miles  below  Richmond.  This,  says  Mr.  Stansbury,  c‘  con- 
sists of  a shoal  in  the  channel,  extending  for  about  two-thirds 
of  a mile,  and  will  require  an  average  excavation  of  two  feet 
for  that  distance,  amounting  to  thirty-nine  thousand  cubic 
yards.  This  will  open  a free  passage  for  vessels  requiring 
seventeen  feet,  up  to  Warwick  Bar,  five  miles  below  Rich- 
mond.” 

After  mentioning  the  Richmond  Bar,  about  two  miles  above 
i Warwick  Bar,  and  stating  that  for  the  greater  part  of  the  dis- 
tance between  these  two  bars,  and  for  nearly  half  the  distance 
between  Richmond  Bar  and  the  city,  fifteen  feet  is  afforded  at 
ordinary  high  tides  ; while  owing  to  the  obstacle  presented 
by  the  Richmond  Bar,  no  vessel  drawing  more  than  ten  feet 
| water  can  pass  above  that  point ; M^r.  Stansbury  proposed  to 
deepen  the  channel  by  dredging,  so  as  to  allow  vessels  that 
can  come  up  as  high  as  Warwick  to  proceed  to  Richmond. 
His  plan  was  to  have  two  dredging  machines  employed,  first 
to  dredge  out  a channel  entirely  through  the  Richmond  Bar, 

, nine  feet  deep  at  low  water  ; and,  secondly,  to  give  a uniform 
depth  of  nine  feet  at  low  water,  or  fifteen  feet  at  high  water, 
to  other  parts  of  the  river.  Mr.  Stansbury  tells  us,  he  had 
no  doubt  as  to  the  entire  practicability  of  removing  the  ob- 
structions within  a reasonable  time,  and  at  a moderate  expense, 
his  only  fear  was,  that  the  channel  thus  opened  would  soon 
fill  up,  or  if  it  should  not,  that  another  bar  would  be  formed 
below  the  present  one.  He  inclined,  however,  to  the  opinion, 
that  the  improvement  would  be  much  more  permanent  and 
beneficial  than  might  at  first  be  supposed.  Having  assigned 


80 


for  this  opinion  very  forcible  reasons,  he  considered  the  prac- 
ticability and  propiety  of  giving  such  a depth  to  the  river 
above  Warwick,  as  will  allow  a draught  of  seventeen  feet  all 
the  way  to  Richmond.  After  stating  that  with  the  exception 
of  a small  portion  of  the  space  where  the  depth  is  sufficient 
already,  the  whole  distance  between  these  points  will  require 
dredging  a depth  of  two  feet,  he  made  an  estimate  of  the  pro- 
bable expense  of  making  all  the  improvements  upon  the  plan 
proposed.  According  to  his  estimate,  it  would  cost  to  remove 
all  the  obstructions  from  Richmond  to  Harrison’s  Bar,  inclu- 
sive, one  hundred  and  three  thousand  four  hundred  dollars; 
and  to  remove  those  below  that  bar  eleven  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred dollars,  making  the  aggregate  cost  of  all  the  improve- 
ments projected  in  James  river  one  hundred  and  fifteen  thou- 
sand two  hundred  dollars,  of  which  there  would  be  required, 
for  the  first  year,  sixty-three  thousand  two  hundred  dollars, 
and  for  four  years  thereafter,  or  until  the  object  was  effected, 
the  annual  sum  of  thirteen  thousand  dollars. 

Fourteen  years  have  elapsed  since  an  engineer  in  the  em- 
ployment of  the  United  States  made  this  report,  a report 
which  led  the  Council,  in  the  fall  of  1843,  to  declare  that  “ it 
has  been  ascertained,  as  far  as  such  facts  can  be  ascertained, 
previous  to  actual  experiment,  that  the  navigation  of  James 
river  below  the  city  of  Richmond,  (at  an  expense  which  may 
be  regarded  as  moderate  for  so  important  an  object,)  may  be 
so  improved  as  to  bring  close  to  the  city  of  Richmond  vessels 
engaged  in  the  trade  of  this  river,  thereby  greatly  contri- 
buting to  the  economy  and  facility  of  shipping,  and  to  the 
health  of  the  crews  of  vessels,  who  would  be  removed  from 
most  unwholesome  stations  to  the  healthiest  spot  on  the  tide- 
water of  the  river — the  port  of  Richmond.”  Nevertheless, 
Congress  has,  so  far,  made  no  appropriation  for  the  improve- 
ment of  this  river  at  all  adequate  to  the  object.  Its  failure 
to  make  such  an  appropriation  is  not  to  be  ascribed  to  any 


81 


doubt  on  the  part  of  the  majority  of  Congress  as  to  its  con- 
stitutional power.  As  incidents  to  the  power  “ to  lay  and 
collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts  and  excises,”  Congress  has 
authorized  the  purchase  and  building  of  custom  houses, 
revenue  cutters,  and  public  warehouses.  Under  the  power 
“to  regulate  oommerce  with  foreign  nations,  and  among  the 
several  States,”  it  has  prescribed  what  shall  constitute  Ame- 
rican vessels,  and  conferred  privileges  upon  them  ; it  has  re- 
quired the  seamen  aboard  to  be  Americans,  and  made  regula- 
tions for  their  government ; it  has  laid  embargoes  in  time  of 
peace.  And  under  these  two  powers  it  has,  year  after  year,  pro- 
vided for  light-houses,  beacon-lights,  piers  and  buoys,  to  render 
navigation  more  safe  and  easy  ; it  has,  moreover,  appropriated 
large  sums  of  money,  to  be  expended  in  other  States,  for  im- 
proving harbors,  building  break-waters,  and  removing  ob- 
structions in  navigable  waters. 

Before  Mr.  Stansbury’s  report,  such  appropriations  had  been 
made,  during  the  administration  of  Mr.  Adams,*  and  of  Gen. 
Jacksonjf  and  since  that  report,  there  have  been  repeated 
acts  making  appropriations  of  the  same  nature.  The  last  act 
of  this  nature,  approved  by  Gen.  Jackson,  to  wit ; that  of  the 
third  of  March,  1837,  contained  appropriations  to  the  amount 
of  one  million  six  hundred  and  eighty-two  thousand  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty-eight  dollars.  The  appropriations  in  the  act 
of  July  seventh,  1838,  approved  by  Mr.  Van  Buren,  amounted 
to  one  million  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  and 
seven  dollars,  94  cents  ; and  those  in  the  acts  of  August  23d, 
1842  and  June,  1844,  approved  by  Mr.  Tyler,  to  eight  hun- 
dred and  thirty-one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars.  These 


* See  Acts  of  19th  and  23d  May,  1828,  in  Session  Acts  p.  49,  66,  70,  and  Acts 
of  March  2d  and  3d,  1829,  p.  33  and  59. 

f See  Acts  of  April  23d,  1830,  p.  52;  March  2d,  1831,  p.  52  and  56 ; July  3d, 
1832,  p.  134;  March  2d,  1833,  p.  69  and  73  ; June  28th  and  30th,  1834,  p.  68 
and  J03;  March  3d,  1833,  p.  16 ; July  2d  and  4th,  1836,  p.  145  and  248. 

11 


82 


amounts  are  exclusive  of  what  are  contained  in  acts  for  build- 
ing light-houses,  light-boats,  beacon-lights,  buoys,  &c.  ; and 
many  of  the  rivers,  for  removing  obstructions  in  which  appro- 
priations have  been  made,  are  of  much  less  importance  than 
James  river. 

The  system  of  appropriation  by  Congress  for  rivers  and 
harbors  was,  in  a measure,  arrested  by  Mr.  Polk.  To  two 
bills  making  such  appropriations  he  refused  his  assent.  “ If,” 
he  said,  “ the  power  to  improve  a harbor  be  admitted,  it  is 
not  easy  to  perceive  how  the  power  to  deepen  every  inlet  on 
the  ocean  or  the  lakes,  and  make  harbors  where  there  are  none, 
can  be  denied.  If  the  power  to  clean  out  or  deepen  the  chan- 
nel of  rivers  near  their  mouths  be  admitted,  it  is  not  easy  to 
perceive  how  the  power  to  improve  them  to  their  fountain  head, 
and  make  them  navigable  to  their  sources,  can  be  denied-” 
Mr.  Polk  could  not  perceive  any  intermediate  grounds.  ‘‘The 
power  to  improve  harbors  and  rivers  for  purposes  of  naviga- 
tion, by  deepening  or  cleaning  out,  by  dams  or  sluices,  by 
locking  or  canaling,”  he  thought  “ must  be  admitted,  without 
any  other  limitation  than  the  discretion  of  Congress,  or  it 
must  be  denied  altogether.” 

Without  going  into  the  question,  as  to  the  constitutional 
power  of  Congress  to  appropriate  money  for  improving  har- 
bors and  removing  obstructions  in  navigable  waters,  the  peo- 
ple of  this  State  have  surely  a right  to  insist,  if  Congress  con- 
tinue to  make  such  appropriations,  that  it  shall  conform  as 
near  as  practicable  to  the  spirit  of  the  provision  (in  the  sixth 
clause  of  the  ninth  section  of  the  first  article  of  the  Constitu- 
tion,) that  “ no  preference  shall  be  given,  by  any  regulation 
of  commerce  or  revenue,  to  the  ports  of  one  State  over  those 
of  another  ; nor  shall  vessels  bound  to  or  from  one  State  be 
obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  another.”  The  spirit 
of  this  provision,  we  think,  is  not  conformed  to  by  Congress, 


83 


when  it  makes  such  appropriations  as  it  has  made  for  improv- 
ing the  ports  and  rivers  of  other  States,  and  yet  withholds 
an  adequate  appropriation  for  improving  the  navigation  of 
James  river  : a river  which,  (as  was  said  by  the  Council  of 
1843,)  “from  the  magnitude  of  its  trade  and  the  number  of 
ships  and  quantity  of  tonnage  engaged  in  it,”  justly  demands 
the  attention  of  Government,  as  much  as  others  which  have 
received  such  attention. 

Dissatisfied  with  the  manner  in  which  Congress  has  dealt 
with  this  subject,  some  of  our  citizens  procured  from  the  State 
Legislature  the  act  of  the  fifth  of  March,  ]846,  incorporating 
a company  to  render  James  river  capable  of  being  navigated 
at  any  season,  at  high  water  from  Rocketts  to  Bermuda  Hun- 
dred, by  vessels  drawing  eleven  and  a half  feet  water  ; and 
allowing  the  company,  in  consideration  of  its  doing  this,  to 
charge  each  vessel  a sum  of  from  eleven  to  eighty-eight  dol- 
lars, according  to  the  number  of  feet  of  water  it  draws.  The 
Constitution  of  the  United  States  providing  (art.  1,  § 10, 
clause  3)  “that  no  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Con- 
gress, lay  any  duty  of  tonnage.”  Congress,  on  the  third  of 
March,  1847,  gave  its  consent  to  this  act,  with  a proviso, 
however,  that  Congress  might,  at  any  time,  repeal  or  modify 
the  act  giving  its  consent. 

Nothing  has,  so  far,  been  done  under  these  acts  of  1846 
and  1847  ; and  the  time  allowed  by  the  act  of  1846  has  ex- 
pired. Even  if  it  had  not,  we  think  nothing  should  be  done 
under  any  act  of  such  a nature,  while  there  is  a reasonable 
hope  of  accomplishing  the  object  upon  terms  less  objectionable. 
The  interests,  not  only  of  Richmond,  but  of  all  the  country, 
sending  produce  to  or  receiving  goods  from  this  city  forbid, 
and  justice  also  forbids,  that  the  imports  to  and  exports  from 
Richmond  should  be  burthened  with  such  charges  as  this  act 
contemplates,  when  in  other  States,  without  such  charges, 


84 


obstructions  have  been  removed  from  rivers  having  no  ri^ht 

O O 

to  be  preferred  to  ours. 

There  are  some  who  concurring  in  this  view,  would  yet  pre- 
fer the  obstructions  in  James  river  to  be  removed  by  an  ap- 
propriation trom  the  treasury  of  the  State,  rather  than  from 
the  treasury  of  the  nation.  On  this  subject,  the  views  of  the 
Council,  in  the  fall  of  1843,  were  expressed,  in  the  preamble 
then  adopted  on  the  motion  of  Mr.  Wickham.  That  pream- 
ble recites,  that  “the  means  of  the  State  government  have 
been  liberally  employed  in  the  improvement  of  the  upper  nav- 
igation which  lies  wholly  within  its  jurisdiction,  and  it  cannot 
be  expected  to  engage  its  resources,  already  heavily  charged 
with  that  and  similar  undertakings,  in  facilitating  the 
navigation  below  Richmond,  over  which  it  cannot,  by  law,  ex- 
ercise any  control,  and  from  which  it  can  derive  no  revenue  ; ” 
that,  “on  the  contrary,  the  general  government  has,  by  law, 
the  whole  control  over  this  navigation,  and  derives  a great 
revenue  from  it,  either  directly  in  duties  collected  here,  or 
indirectly  in  duties  collected  elsewhere  on  the  returns  for 
shipments  made  from  this  river  ; ” and  that  “ it  is  therefore 
bound  to  provide  for  the  safety  of  this  navigation,  and  to 
facilitate  its  convenience  and  extension.” 

If  Congress  were  to  abandon  the  system  of  improving  har- 
bors and  rivers  by  appropriations  from  the  treasury  of  the  na- 
tion, Virginia  would  be  under  increased  obligations  to  provide 
for  the  improvement,  by  her  own  means,  of  her  rivers  and 
harbors,  below  as  well  as  above  tide-water.  But  while  that 
system  continues,  and  other  portions  of  the  country  are  deriving 
benefit  from  it,  we  cannot  feel  confident  that  an  appropria- 
tion for  the  improvement  of  tin  navigation  of  James  river 
below  Richmond  will  be  made  fr  u the  State  treasury.  Xev- 
ertlieless,  we  do  not  consider  it  necessary  to  confine  the  ap- 
plication on  this  subject  to  Congress  exclusively. 


85 


Supposing  it  to  be  proper  to  effect  this  improvement,  it  is 
very  clear  that  it  can  only  be  made  under  the  authority  of  the 
State  Legislature  or  of  Congress.  This  being  so,  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State,  we  think,  should  do  one  of  two  things  : it 
should  either  make  adequate  provision  for  it,  or  insist  on  such 
provision  being  made  by  Congress.  Those  jealous  of  conceding 
to  the  General  Government  any  right  of  jurisdiction  over  the 
soil  of  the  State,  and  opposed  to  the  system  of  appropriations 
by  Congress,  cannot  reasonably  oppose  an  adequate  provision 
by  the  State  Legislature.  On  the  other  hand,  those  who  oppose 
a provision  by  the  Legislature,  on  the  ground  that  the  appropri  • 
ation  should  come  from  Congress,  should  insist  that  such  ap  • 
propriation  be  made.  Either  way,  the  subject  deserves  the  at- 
tention of  the  State  government.  Such  attention  is  proper,  if 
regard  be  had  to  the  agricultural  and  commercial  interests  of 
a large  portion  of  the  State ; especially  now,  when  the  trade 
to  and  from  Richmond,  Petersburg  and  Norfolk  is  about  to  be 
increased  so  largely  by  means  of  the  canal  and  railroads  in 
progress  to  the  west. 

Great  as  may  be  the  benefits  resulting  from  the  railroad 
and  locomotive,  we  are  not  of  the  number  of  those  who  would 
“depreciate  the  importance  of  river  navigation.”  Whatever 
will  improve  the  navigation  of  the  James,  and  diminish 
the  cost  of  transportation  on  it,  we  regard  as  matter  of  deep 
interest  to  an  extensive  back  country ; to  Lynchburg  and 
every  other  town  convenient  to  James  river  canal,  or  any 
railroad  in  the  direction  of  the  James  or  Appomattox,  to 
Norfolk  and  to  Petersburg,  as  well  as  Richmond. 

Under  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  at  its  last  session, 
sanctioning  the  transfer  to  the  city  of  Petersburg  of  stock  of 
the  State  and  individuals  in  the  Lower  Appomattox  Company, 
the  Council  of  Petersburg  has  authorized  the  employment  of 
a competent  engineer  to  survey  the  Appomattox  from  Peters- 


86 


burg  to  deep  water,  so  as  to  ascertain  the  best  mode  and  cost 
of  removing  the  rock  and  other  obstructions  therein.  Whether 
or  no  the  Council  of  Petersburg  shall  have  the  obstructions 
in  the  Appomattox  removed  at  the  expense  of  the  city — Pe- 
tersburg has  a common  interest  with  Richmond  in  the  im- 
provement of  the  navigation  of  James  river,  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Appomattox  to  the  mouth  of  the  James.  These  two 
cities  are  mentioned  together  in  the  bill  making  appropria- 
tions for  the  improvement  of  certain  harbors  and  rivers,  as  it 
passed  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  was  sent  to  the 
Senate  at  the  last  session  of  Congress.  There  was  in  that 
bill  an  appropriation  of  twenty  thousand  dollars,  “ for  the 
improvement  and  further  survey  of  the  harbor  at  Richmond 
city,  Virginia,  and  the  James  river,  from  said  harbor  to  the 
mouth  of  said  river,  and  from  the  junction  of  said  river  with 
the  Appomattox  river  to  the  city  of  Petersburg.”  The  bill 
which  contained  this  small  appropri?  tion,  appropriated  more 
than  two  millions  of  dollars  for  other  objects,  among  which 
there  was — “ for  the  removal  of  obstructions  to  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  Hudson  river,  above  and  below  Albany,”  seventy- 
five  thousand  dollars,  in  addition  to  large  sums  appropriated 
in  former  years. 

Whether  the  improvement  of  James  river  be  provided  for 
by  an  appropriation  from  the  treasury  of  the  State,  or  of  the 
nation,  the  cities  and  country  interested  should  desire  that 
appropriation  to  be  adequate  to  the  object,  and  the  improve- 
ment to  be  of  such  kind,  and  in  such  manner  as  will  most 
facilitate  navigation,  and  be  best  adapted  to  the  exigency. 
The  committee  recommend  to  the  Council  to  adopt  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  : 

Resolved,  That  the  delegates  and  senators  representing 
this  city  in  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State,  be  requested 
to  apply  to  the  General  Assembly,  either  to  make  adequate 


87 


provision  for  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of  James 
river  below  the  head  of  tide-water,  or  to  insist  on  such  pro„- 
vision  being  made  by  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  representative  from  this  district  and 
the  senators  from  this  State  in  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  be  requested  to  use  their  best  efforts  to  obtain  from 
Congress  an  adequate  appropriation  for  the  improvement  of 
the  navigation  of  James  river,  below  the  head  of  tide-water, 
unless  the  Legislature  of  the  State  shall,  by  making  promptly 
adequate  provision  for  its  improvement,  render  such  appro- 
priation unnecessary. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  appointed  by  the  Council  from 
each  ward  three  persons,  of  whom  one  shall  be  a member  of 
the  Council,  -and  the  other  two  members  of  the  Council  or 
citizens,  to  constitute  a committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
endeavor  to  obtain  such  provision  or  appropriation. 

Resolved,  That  of  the  foregoing  report  and  resolutions 
there  be  printed  copies,  to  be  disposed  of  as  said  com- 

mittee may  direct ; and  that  to  defray  any  necessary  expenses 
of  the  committee,  there  be  paid  upon  the  order  of  its  chair- 
man a sum  not  exceeding  dollars. 

The  foregoing  report  was  approved,  and  the  resolutions  of 
the  committee  were  severally  adopted  by  the  Council.  And 
the  blanks  in  the  fourth  resolution  were  filled,  the  first  with 
the  words  “one  thousand,”  so  as  to  read  “ one  thousand 
copies,”  and  the  last  with  the  words  “ five  hundred,”  so  as  to 
read  “ five  hundred  dollars.” 

A committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  of  Messrs.  Chas. 
Dimmock,  Thomas  H.  Ellis  and  Horace  L.  Kent,  for  Monroe 
ward  ; Hugh  W.  Fry,  Thomas  T.  Giles  and  Thomas  W.  Mc- 
Cance,  for  Madison  ward  ; and  Joseph  M.  Carrington,  Luther 
Libby  and  Loftin  N.  Ellett,  for  Jefferson  ward. 


88 


May  3d,  1852  : 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Anderson, 

Resolved , That  a committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  make 
application  to  the  Bureau  of  the  United  States  Coast  Survey, 
to  cause  a survey  and  soundings  to  be  made  of  the  James 
river,  from  this  city  to  City  Point ; and  that  said  committee 
do  report  to  this  body  the  result  of  their  application. 

A committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  of  Mersrs.  An- 
derson, Fry  and  Haskins. 

June  10th,  1852 : 

Mr.  Anderson,  from  the  select  committee  on  the  subject, 
presented  a correspondence  between  them  and  A.  D.  Bache, 
Superintendent  of  the  Coast  Survey,  respecting  the  arrange- 
ments made  for  a survey  of  James  river.  And  the  same 
having  been  read,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Anderson,  the  thirteenth 
rule  having  been  first  suspended  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  correspond  with 
the  “ Coast  Survey  Bureau,”  be  authorized  to  draw  on  the 
Chamberlain  for  a sum  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars, 
should  the  same  be  found  necessary  in  their  opinion  to  pay 
expenses  incurred  in  the  contemplated  survey  of  James  river. 

Mr.  Dimmock  submitted  a communication,  received  by  him 
from  Charles  S.  Morgan,  transmitting  statements  and  infor- 
mation  in  relation  to  the  improvement  of  the  harbor  of  Balti- 
more : Whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  said  committee. 

Report  of  committee  appointed  under  resolutions  of  Nov.  19, 
1852,  ordered  to  be  printed  Sept.  13, 1852 — [not  recorded.] 

September  21st,  1852  ; 

On  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed 
by  the  Council  on  the  nineteenth  of  November,  1851,  to  en- 


deavor  to  obtain  a provision  or  appropriation  for  the  improve- 
ment of  James  river  below  the  head  of  tide-wate  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Council  approve  the  manner  in  which 
the  said  committee  have  proceeded  in  discharge  of  their  duties  ; 
and  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation  contained  in  their 
report,  doth  appoint  Messrs.  Anderson,  McCance  and  Has- 
kins, to  represent  the  city  before  the  department  at  Washing- 
ton having  charge  of  the  appropriation  which  has  been  made  ; 
to  confer  with  the  department  in  regard  to  it,  and  to  attend 
to  the  application  of  the  money  in  the  mode  best  suited  to  ad- 
vance the  interests  of  Richmond,  And  any  reasonable  ex- 
penses incurred  by  the  members  of  the  committee  under  this 
appointment,  may,  upon  being  laid  before  the  Committee  of 
Claims,  and  approved  by  it,  be  paid  upon  the  order  of  the 
chairman  of  that  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report,  as  to  the  other  matters 
therein,  be  laid  on  the  table. 

June  13th,  1853  : 

Mr.  Anderson  presented  the  following  report  : 

“ The  Committee  on  the  ‘ Improvement  of  the  River  ’ re- 
port— that  the  surveys  and  soundings  are  progressing  steadily 
under  the  direction  of  the  able  officers  of  the  United  States 
Coast  Survey,  and  the  construction  of  the  work  has  been  placed 
under  the  superintendence  of  one  of  the  most  distinguished 
and  experienced  officers  of  the  United  States  Engineer  Corps, 
Col.  R.  E.  DeRussy. 

“ The  committee  have  obtained  from  the  engineer  officer 
late  in  charge  of  the  improvement,  an  estimate  of  the  probable 
cost  of  obtaining  fifteen  feet  water  at  ordinary  high  tide  up  to 
the  wharves  of  the  city ; from  which  it  appears  that  this  can 
be  accomplished  by  dredging,  by  the  expenditure  of  only  som3 
thirty-one  thousand  dollars,  and  there  remains  of  the  appro- 
12 


90 


priation  by  Congress,  applicable  to  this  object,  about  nine- 
teen thousand  dollars.  In  view  of  the  vast  importance  to  our 
city  of  hastening  this  improvement,  and  of  the  uncertainty  of 
future  appropriations  by  Congress,  your  committee  are  unani- 
mously of  opinion  that  the  city  should  supply  the  means  re- 
quired to  complete  it,  if  necessary , even  were  the  sum  many 
times  greater  than  they  have  reason  to  expect  it  will  be  from 
the  above  estimate  Now,  when  our  State  has,  at  the  last 
session  of  the  Legislature,  appropriated  some  twelve  millions 
af  dollars  towards  the  completion  of  a great  system  of  rail- 
roads and  canals,  much  the  greater  portion  of  which  converge 
in  the  direction  of  our  city  ; when  our  own  people  have  volun- 
tarily submitted  to  municipal  taxation,  in  addition  to  the  large 
proportion  they  already  contribute  to  the  State  revenues,  in 
order  to  grant  further  aid  to  the  completion  of  these  great 
lines  ; when,  in  a very  short  time,  we  may  expect  our  city  to 
have  connexion  by  railroad  and  canal,  with  the  Ohio  river, 
with  the  Mississippi  by  the  South-Western  Railroad,  also  with 
the  heart  of  Kentucky  by  means  of  the  Cumberland  Gap  road, 
and  with  the  rich  valleys  of  the  Yadkin  and  Catawba,  by  the 
Danville  road,  to  say  nothing  of  the  wide  extent  and  boundless 
resources  of  our  own  great  State — an  empire  within  itself, 
which  these  improvements,  and  their  numerous  auxilaries,  will 
open  to  our  market. 

“ Your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  no  time  should  be  lost 
in  obtaining  an  improvement  which  is  all  that  remains  to  give 
Richmond  an  advantage  in  position  over  all  other  Atlantic 
cities,  for  much  of  the  trade  of  the  West  and  South-west,  and 
to  place  her  prosperity  upon  a sure  and  enduring  basis.  They 
therefore  recommend  to  the  Council  the  adoption  of  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  : 

“ Resolved , That  the  Council  regard  the  deepening  of  the 
channel  of  the  river,  so  that  vessels  drawing  fifteen  feet  of 


91 


water  may  come  to  our  wharves,  an  object  of  paramount  im- 
portance to  the  trade  and  growth  of  the  city. 

“ Resolved , That  to  supply  the  deficiencies  that  may  exist 
in  the  appropriations  of  Congress,  the  Committee  on  the  ‘ Im- 
provement of  James  River’  are  authorized  to  draw  on  the 
Chamberlain  for  a sum  not  to  exceed,  for  the  present,  twelve 
thousand  dollars,  which  may  be  placed  by  them  in  the  hands 
of  the  United  States  engineer  officer  in  charge  of  the  improve- 
ment of  the  river,  and  applied  to  the  purchase  of  dredging 
machines,  or  in  such  other  way  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  com- 
mittee will  best  promote  the  object  in  view. 

“ All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by 

“JOSEPH  R.  ANDERSON. 
“THOS.  W.  McCANCE. 

“R.  0 HASKINS.” 

At  a meeting  of  the  City  Council,  held  May  1st,  1854,  the 
following  communication  from  the  President  of  the  James 
River  and  Kanawha  Company,  and  the  accompanying  Report 
of  the  Engineer  of  said  Company,  were  laid  on  the  table  and 
ordered  to  be  printed  : 

Office  of  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Co., 
Richmond,  April  25,  1854. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond : 

The  City  Council  on.  the  4th  of  October  last,  adopted  a 
resolution  instructing  their  attorney  to  apply  to  the  Hustings 
Court  for  the  appointment  of  commissioners  to  condemn  the 
land  between  the  dock  and  James  river,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
structing wharves  at  the  expense  oT  the  city,  for  the  accom- 
modation of  shipping  engaged  in  its  commerce.  In  confor- 
mity with  that  resolution,  the  city  attorney  has  this  day  caused 
notice  to  be  served  upon  me,  that  the  application  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  commissioners  will  be  made  on  the  8th  of  the 


92 


ensuing  month,  and  has  made  the  James  River  and  Kanawha 
Company  a party  to  the  proceedings.  The  company  some 
time  since  authorized  its  president  to  adopt  such  measures  as 
he  might  deem  necessary  to  protect  its  interests  in  the  premi- 
ses. Before  the  subject,  therefore,  is  brought  to  the  conside- 
ration of  the  court,  I beg  leave  respectfully,  in  behalf  of  the 
company,  to  submit  some  reasons  which  in  my  judgment 
should  induce  the  Council  to  reconsider  its  resolution,  and 
suspend  all  further  action  under  it. 

The  company,  at  great  expense  to  its  stockholders,  including 
the  city  and  the  Commonwealth,  has  constructed  its  dock,  to 
accommodate  the  very  trade  for  which  the  wharves  are  pro- 
posed to  be  constructed.  It  has  encountered  difficulties  which 
at  one  time  were  deemed  almost  insurmountable,  and  having 
at  length  overcome  them,  it  has  nearly  completed  its  work, 
which  in  a very  short  time  will  be  ready  for  use.  The  em- 
bankment produced  by  the  dock  along  its  entire  line,  will 
afford  wharfage  more  than  sufficient  for  the  whole  shipping  at 
present  engaged  in  the  commerce  of  the  city,  and  whenever 
that  commerce  shall  increase  to  such  extent  as  to  justify  the 
expense,  it  has  been,  and  is,  the  design  of  the  company,  to 
enlarge  the  dock,  by  extending  it  over  the  land  now  proposed 
to  be  condemned  by  the  city  ; that  being  in  truth  the  only 
property  upon  which  an  enlarged  basin  could  be  constructed 
without  destroying  streets  which  are  essential  outlets  to  the 
trade  to  be  accommodated.  Is  it  proper,  then,  under  these 
circumstances,  for  the  city  to  condemn  property  thus  neces- 
sary for  an  enlargement  of  the  dock,  and  to  construct  wharves 
thereon,  which  if  profitable,  must  to  that  extent  come  into 
competition  with  the  dock,  and,  in  the  same  proportion, 
diminish  the  prospect  of  remuneration  calculated  upon  by  the 
company  and  its  friends,  and  lessen  the  value  of  the  stock  held 
by  the  city  in  the  company’s  improvement  ? 


93 


The  Council,  upon  reflection,  will  not  fail  to  perceive  the 
disadvantages  under  which  the  city  will  labor  in  a competition 
which  must  arise  between  the  dock  and  the  city  wharves.  The 
upland  trade  seeking  to  be  exported,  cannot  reach  the  ship- 
ping lying  at  the  proposed  wharves  without  passing  through 
the  dock  and  into  the  river,  or  without  undergoing  a tranship- 
ment and  a transportation  by  land,  incurring  the  expense  of 
either  dockage  or  drayage,  or  both,  and  then  of  wharfage 
besides,  while  if  produce  be  taken  on  board  the  ships  in  the 
dock,  the  drayage  and  wharfage  will  be  avoided.  Vessels  will 
not  unload  goods  even  for  city  consumption,  unless  they  can 
re-load  with  the  produce  intended  for  exportation  coming  from 
above,  at  the  same  point.  The  consequence  will  be  that  how- 
ever low  the  wharf  charges  may  be,  but  few  will  use  the 
wharves,  and  the  city  cannot  be  remunerated  for  the  heavy 
outlay  it  must  encounter.  Or  if  remuneration  is  not  the  ob- 
ject, but  accommodation  of  trade  merely,  it  is  manifest  that 
with  the  additional  burdens  and  charges  alluded  to,  that  ac- 
commodation will  not  be  afforded. 

The  city  of  Richmond,  and  a large  number  of  its  citizens 
in  their  individual  capacity,  are  owners  of  stock  in  the  James 
River  and  Kanawha  Company  to  the  amount  of  nearly  nine 
hundred  thousand  dollars  ; and  the  Bank  of  Virginia,  in  which 
so  many  of  its  citizens  are  likewise  interested,  is  the  owner  of 
stock  to  the  amount  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Much 
has  been  done  by  the  State,  and  every  thing  by  the  company 
with;n  its  capacity,  to  bring  the  trade  of  the  interior  to  the 
city,  and  to  afford  it  a cheap  and  commodious  outlet.  For 
these  reasons  alone,  it  would  seem  to  be  politic  on  the  part  of 
the  Council  not  to  throw  obstacles  in  the  way  of  the  success 
of  the  company,  nor  to  do  any  thing  which  might  probably 
cripple  its  present  advancement  or  injure  its  future  prospects, 
particularly  when  the  interests  of  the  city  are  not  in  conflict 
with  the  aims  and  ends  of  the  company. 


94 


Other  considerations,  more  especially  those  of  a local  and 
pecuniary  character,  might  be  suggested,  some  of  which  will 
he  found  stated  in  the  accompanying  report  made  to  the  board 
of  directors  of  this  company  by  the  engineer  on  the  eastern 
division  of  the  canal ; but  contenting  myself  with  this  brief 
reference  to  the  subject,  I feel  it  my  duty  earnestly  to  invite 
the  attention  of  the  Council  to  the  views  already  presented. 

It  is  proper  further  to  state,  that  a large  portion  of  the 
land  which  the  city  proposes  to  condemn  is  the  property  of 
the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Company,  and  if  the  conside- 
rations above  presented  fail  to  convince  your  honorable  body 
of  the  justice  of  our  position,  they  must  nevertheless  convince 
you  of  our  sincerity  in  maintaining  it,  and  that  the  company 
will  by  every  lawful  means  resist  the  condemnation  of  its  pro- 
perty for  the  purposes  of  a rival  work. 

In  conclusion,  I respectfully  request  on  behalf  of  the  com- 
pany a reconsideration  of  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  Coun- 
cil on  the  4th  of  October  last,  confident  in  the  belief  that 
subsequent  reflection  will  induce  the  Council  to  direct  its 
attorney  not  to  apply  for  the  condemnation  of  the  land  re- 
ferred to,  and  to  suspend  all  further  proceedings  in  the  case. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  &c., 
THOMAS  H.  ELLIS,  Pres’t 
of  the  Janies  River  and  Kanawha  Company. 

Richmond,  Feb.  2d,  1854. 

Thomas  II.  Ellis,  Esq., 

Pres’t  James  River  and  Kanawha  Company : 

Sir — In  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  the  board  of 
directors  of  6th  ult.,  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follow- 
ing report  upon  the  plan  of  constructing  wharves  on  the  north 
bank  of  James  river,  as  proposed  by  the  Council  of  the  city 
of  Richmond. 

I remain,  sir,  your  most  obedient  serv’t, 

D.  S.  WALTON,  Engineer  E.  D. 


95 


REPORT. 


The  only  information  I have  been  able  to  obtain  with  re- 
gard to  the  proposed  improvement,  is  contained  in  the  report 
of  Thomas  McCance,  Esq.,  to  the  City  Council,  dated  29th 
September,  1853,  in  which  report  the  committee  of  the  City 
Council  recommend  an  application  to  the  Hustings  Court  for 
the  condemnation  of  all  the  land  east  of  Mayo’s  bridge,  be- 
tween the  dock  and  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting 
wharves.  The  committee  also  suggest  that  the  river  may  be 
made  available  for  vessels  drawing  from  8 to  12  feet  water 
alongside  of  these  wharves. 

No  definite  plan  for  the*  construction  of  the  wharves,  nor 
other  data  upon  which  to  base  a calculation  of  their  cost 
being  furnished  by  the  committee,  I have  made  an  estimate 
upon  two  plans,  based  upon  the  following  premises,  viz  : 

The  1st  Flan. — To  wharf  from  the  head  of  the  ship-lock 
to  Mayo’s  bridge,  a distance  of  4,300  feet,  with  a wooden 
wharf  to  within  one  foot  of  the  water  level,  or  11  feet  in 
height — upon  this  to  build  a wall  of  masonry,  laid  in  hydrau- 
lic cement,  similar  to  our  recently  built  dock  walls,  high 
enough  to  be  above  the  reach  of  freshes  in  the  river,  or  17 
feet  above  low  water  mark.  Making  the  whole  height  of 
wharfing  29  feet  above  the  bottom  of  the  channel,  which  is 
proposed  to  be  12  feet  deep. 

The  whole  space  between  the  above  wharf  and  the  high 
ground  back  of  it  to  be  filled  with  the  earth  dredged  from  the 
channel,  which  must  be  necessarily  dredged  to  a width  of  300 
feet  in  front  of  the  wharves. 


96 


The  probable  cost  on  the  above  plan  I would  estimate  as 


follows  : 

175.000  lineal  feet  of  timber,  at  20  cents,  - $35,000 

310.000  feet  B.  M.  plank,  at  $20,  - - 6,200 

8,800  cubic  yards  stone  in  cribs,  at  $2  50,  - 22,000 

30.000  lbs.  wrought  iron  bolts,  at  8 cents,  - 2,400 

18,600  cubic  yards  hydraulic  masonry,  at  $6,  - 111,600 

239.000  cubic  yards  dredging,  at  20  cents,  - 47,800 

172.000  cubic  yards  filling,  made  from  above,  at 

10  cents,  - 17,200 


$242,200 

For  contingencies  add  10  per  cent.  - - 24,220 


Cost,  exclusive  of  land  damages,  - - $266,420 


2d  Plan. — Similar  to  the  above,  excepting  that  the  wharf- 
ing  is  to  be  entirely  of  wood,  and  be  raised  only  to  a height 
of  5 feet  above  low  water  mark. 


Probable  Cost 

266.000  lineal  feet  timber,  at  20  cents,  - $53,200 

310.000  feet  B.  M.  plank,  at  $20,  - - 6,200 

8,800  cubic  yards  stone  in  cribs  at  $2  50,  - 22,000 

46,500  lbs.  wrought  iron  bolts,  at  8 cents,  - 3,480 

239.000  cubic  yards  dredging,  at  20  cents,  - 47,800 

60.000  cubic  yards  filling,  from  above,  at  10  cts.,  6,000 


$138,680 

Add  10  per  cent,  for  contingencies,  - - 13,868 


Total  cost,  exclusive  of  land  damages,  - $152,548 


The  land  damages  to  be  added  to  either  estimate  may  be 
taken  at  $100,000.  It  is  probable  that  in  dredging  the  chan- 
nel, work  will  be  encountered  whch  is  not  provided  for  in 


97 

either  of  the  above  estimates  and  which  will  add  greatly  to 
their  amount. 

Both  of  the  above  plans  are  liable  from  their  locality  to 
serious  objections  and  many  contingent  expenses  in  mainte- 
nance. The  principal  difficulty  and  expense  will  be  the  main- 
taining; the  channel  in  front  of  the  wharves  at  a sufficient 

O 

depth. 

The  situation  being  at  the  head  of  tide-water,  where  the 
current  of  James  river  receives  its  first  check  from  the  flood 
tide,  is  naturally  liable  to  large  deposits  of  mud  from  every 
fresh  in  the  river  or  in  any  of  its  tributaries  east  of  the  Blue 
Ridge.  Shockoe  creek  also  deposits  at  its  mouth  with  every 
shower  large  quantities  of  sand. 

The  large  bar  now  extending  from  the  mouth  of  Shockoe 
creek  nearly  to  Rocketts  in  length,  and  nearly  out  to  the 
island  in  breadth,  and  visible  at  half-tide,  has  formed  from 
the  causes  above  stated.  This  deposit  is  also  constantly 
accumulating,  as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  for  more  than  one 
year  past  large  quantities  of  sand  have  been  taken  for  build- 
ing purposes  by  the  company's  force  and  other  parties,  I 
should  say  30  to  50  cubic  yards  per  day,  yet  no  sensible  im- 
pression has  been  made  on  the  bar,  but  on  the  contrary  it  is 
constantly  becoming  larger. 

After  every  fresh,  therefore,  or  heavy  rain,  the  channel 
will  be  obstructed  by  sand  bars,  which  will  require  the  service 
of  a dredge  boat  for  their  removal,  and  involve  a detention  on 
vessels  using  it  until  it  is  cleaned  out. 

The  expense  of  working  a dredge  boat  may  be  put  down  at 
$6,000  per  annum,  including  wear  and  tear.  How  much  of 
her  service  would  be  required  in  removing  obstructions  is  un- 
certain, but  may,  I think,  be  set  down  at  six  months,  or 
$3,000  per  annum. 

If  the  high  or  first  plan  of  the  wharf  were  adopted,  a ves 
sel  of  300  tons  would,  during  the  low  water  of  summer,  lay 

13 


98 


with  her  deck  from  12  to  15  feet  below  the  top  of  the  dock, 
thus  involving  the  expense  of  raising  and  lowering  her  cargo 
this  additional  number  of  feet. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  the  low  or  second  plan  were  adopted, 
it  would  be  liable  to  be  submerged  many  times  during  the  fall 
and  winter  months,  rendering  access  to  it  impossible  on  ac- 
count of  the  water,  and  afterwards  of  the  mud.  The  condi- 
tion of  the  wharves  at  Rocketts  during  this  and  past  winters 
I refer  to  as  proof  of  this. 

The  situation,  without  regard  to  plan  of  wharfage,  is  an  un- 
safe harbor  for  vessels  to  lie  in — the  current  in  a fresh  during 
ebb  tide  being  exceedingly  rapid,  and  sets  in  towards  the  north 
shore,  quantities  of  trees  and  driftwood  are  brought  down  and 
would  be  driven  against  the  vessels  lying  at  the  wharves, 
causing  serious  damage. 

The  improvement,  if  carried  out,  would  forever  debar  the 
James  River  and  Kanawha  Company  from  all  chance  of  en- 
larging their  dock,  should  their  future  business  require  it,  as 
it  would  occupy  the  only  space  available  to  the  company  for 
that  purpose,  and  the  only  practicable  site  for  a dock  or  har- 
bor in  the  city  or  its  vicinity. 

The  area  of  the  dock  and  its  wharfage  may  be  enlarged  to 
three  times  its  present  capacity,  should  the  business  justify  it 
hereafter,  by  extending  out  into  the  river  on  that  site,  a pier 
from  Mayo’s  bridge  to  Rocketts  very  nearly  on  the  plan  and 
site  proposed  for  the  wharves,  and  removing  the  earth  between 
the  pier  and  the  dock,  and  with  the  advantage  of  having  the 
increased  wharfage  inside  the  dock. 

The  cost  of  this  enlargement  would  not,  probably,  exceed 
the  cost  of  the  wharves  propost  1,  if  constructed  upon  the  first 
or  high  plan. 

With  regard  to  the  necessity  of  this  increased  wharf  accom- 
modation to  the  commerce  of  :he  city,  it  can  be  shown  that 


00 


such  is  not  now  the  case,  nor  likely  to  become  so  for  many 
years  to  come.  The  whole  number  of  vessels  “arrived” 
in  this  port  for  the  year  ending  1st  January  last  was  872  of 
over  75  tons  burden,  and  about  the  same  number  of  under  that 
tonnage.  The  above  includes  steamers  and  every  description 
of  craft,  excepting  only  the  steamers  that  run  to  Norfolk. 
The  cargoes  of  the  above,  putting  large  class  at  200  tons  and 
small  class  at  50,  would  amount  to  a trade  of  about  200,000 
tons  one  way,  or  shipped  and  received  a total  of  400,000  tons 
per  annum. 

The  extent  of  the  wharfage  in  the  dock,  when  completed, 
will  be  7,488  feet  for  vessels  drawing  15  feet  water.  It  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  after  the  bars  in  the  river  are  re- 
moved to  15  feet  water,  a larger  class  of  vessels  will  be  used 
(a  ship  of  500  tons  is  well  adapted  to  15  feet  water.)  I will 
therefore,  suppose  the  freighting  to  be  done  by  such  ships. 
Each  ship  occupies  100  feet  of  wharf,  and  requires  10  days  to 
receive  and  deliver  her  cargo.  The  present  dock  would  then 
accommodate  at  once,  say  70  ships,  each  lying  moored  along- 
side the  wharf.  These  70  ships  would  land  3,500  tons  per 
day,  or  per  annum  1,277,500  tons,  and  receive  the  same 
quantity,  making  a total  of  2,555,000  tons,  and  2,555  arrivals 
per  year — which  is  about  six  times  the  amount  of  the  present 
business  of  the  wharves  at  Rocketts. 

Let  us  suppose,  however,  that  the  bars  below  are  not  to  be 
removed,  and  that  only  the  present  depth  of  water  can  be  relied 
upon,  the  shipping  would  still  be  done  from  motives  of  econo- 
my in  the  largest  class  vessels  admissible,  say  in  vessels  of  300 
tons  burden,  each  vessel  would  occupy  the  same  extent  of 
wharfage,  but  would  require  about  8 days  to  deliver  and  re- 
ceive cargo. 


100 


The  number  of  arrivals  per  annum  would  then  be 
Tons  of  goods  landed  and  shipped  per  day, 

“ “ “ per  annum, 

Tons  of  goods  landed  and  shipped  per  annum,  - 
or  about  five  times  the  present  amount  of  business 


3,185 

2,625 

955,500 

1,911,000 


In  the  foregoing  calculation,  vessels  of  small  tonnage  and 
canal  boats  are  not  included,  for  the  reason  that  there  is  am- 
ple wharf  accommodation  for  them  in  the  basin  above  17th 
street.  Canal  boats  will  also  in  almost  all  cases  discharge 
their  cargoes  directly  into,  and  receive  their  cargoes  directly 
from,  the  ship  while  lying  alongside  of  her,  and  without 
touching  the  wharf. 

The  number  of  tons  arriving  at  tide-water  on  the  Erie 
Canal  during  the  year  1851,  was  about  2,000,000.  The  dock 
will  therefore  furnish  wharf  accommodation  equal  to  about 
one-half  the  business  of  the  Erie  Canal  in  1851.  The  Rich- 
mond dock  and  basin  are  very  similarly  situated  to  those  of 
Albany,  and  have  nearly  an  equal  capacity  to  them.  I con- 
clude, therefore,  that  until  the  trade  of  the  dock  has  accumu- 
lated several  fold,  and  approximates  to  at  least  one-lialf  of 
that  of  the  Erie  Canal  through  tonnage,  no  additional  wharf 
accommodation  can  be  necessary 

I do  not  think  the  improvement  if  carried  out  could  affect 
the  interests  of  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Canal  Com- 
pany in  any  other  way  than  that  before  alluded  to,  viz  : being 
an  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  future  enlargement  of  the  dock. 

The  interest  on  cost  of  construction  and  annual  expenses 
of  dredging  and  maintenance,  will  be  such,  that  a high  rate 
of  wharfage  must  be  charged  to  defray  expenses  ; this,  added 
to  the  increased  expense  of  cartage  across  the  dock,  and  of 
breakage  and  transhipment  from  ship  to  canal  boat  and  vice 
versa  across  from  the  dock  to  the  river,  will,  in  my  opinion, 


101 


give  the  dock  greatly  the  advantage  in  the  competition  for 
trade. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

D.  S.  WALTON. 

April  14th,  3856 : 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  Committee  On  the  James  River  Improve- 
ment, presented  the  following  report : 

“ Committee  of  the  Council  on  the  James  River  Improve- 
ment— Messrs.  McCance,  Mills,  Scott,  Sinton  and  Stearns, 
with  Messrs.  Macfarland,  Giles  and  Stanard,  from  citizens. 

“ On  Friday,  the  23d  November,  1855,  the  Committee  on 
the  James  River  Improvement  were  notified  that  the  Virginia 
Towing  Company’s  tow-boat  Ben  Sheppard,  would  leave  the 
wharf  at  Rocketts  on  Saturday  morning,  the  24th  November, 
to  determine  at  what  point  the  dredge  boat  should  commence 
operations  under  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  Council  on  the 
12th  November,  appropriating  §2,000  to  continue  the  im- 
provement of  the  river — the  appropriation  by  the  United 
States  being  exhausted. 

“ Present  on  Saturday  morning,  Messrs.  McCance  and 
Scott,  of  the  Committee,  W.  Gill,  City  Engineer,  Capt.  Burk 
and  James  S.  Richardson,  Supt.  Careful  examination  of  the 
river  proved  16  feet  water  at  Warwick  Bar,  and  thence  to 
Trent’s  Reach,  at  full  tide. 

“ At  Trent’s  Reach  a careful  examination  proved  the  north 
channel  to  be  the  best  to  dredge  out,  and  about  12  feet  water, 
at  full  tide,  at  the  shallowest  part. 

“ The  soundings  were  made  under  the  direction  of  Captain 
Burk,  whose  perfect  knowledge  of  the  river  saved  much  time, 
The  point  at  which  dredging  should  commence  at  Trent’s 
Reach  was  determined,  and  shore  marks  agreed  upon  for  the 
guidance  of  the  Superintendent.  The  tow-boat  got  back  to 
the  wharf  about  8 o’clock,  P.  M. 

“THOS.  W.  McCANCE, 

“ Clim'n  of  the  Com' tee  on  J.  11. 


102 


REPORT 

Of  Committee  on  the  James  River  Improvement,  together 
with  a Report  of  W.  Gill,  City  Engineer,  made  to  the 
Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond,  November  12,  1855. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond : 

The  removal  of  the  bars  in  James  river,  obstructing  deep 
water  navigation  to  and  from  this  city,  has  for  many  years 
occupied  the  attention  of  the  public.  Under  the  direction  of 
the  State,  the  river  was  surveyed  in  1826  by  Col.  Crozet. 

In  1836  a survey  was  made  by  Capt.  Stansbury,  under  the 
direction  of  the  United  States,  and  again  by  the  coast  survey 
in  1852.  Each  succeeding  survey  of  the  river  gave  new  and 
encouraging  evidence  of  the  practicability  of  improving  the 
depth  of  water,  so  as  to  admit  large  class  vessels  to  navigate 
to  and  from  this  city.  After  various  efforts,  an  appropriation 
of  $45,000  was  made  by  Congress  in  1852  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  James  and  Appomattox  rivers,  one-half,  or 
$22,500,  to  each  improvement.  After  defraying  the  cost  of 
survey,  the  appropriation  for  James  river  was  reduced  to  less 
than  $20,000,  a sum  too  small  to  procure  a dredging  machine, 
and  leave  a balance  sufficient  to  make  a fair  experiment  by 
dredging  a channel  through  one  of  the  bars  obstructing  navi- 
gation. Col.  De  Russy,  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  United 
States  appropriation,  and  under  whose  direction  the  work  was 
to  progress,  on  consultation  with  the  committee  of  the  Coun- 
cil on  the  James  river  improvement,  suggested  that  the  city  of 
Richmond  should  furnish  the  dredging  machine,  to  be  operated 
under  his  direction,  with  the  appropriation  made  by  the  United 
States.  The  Council  approved  the  report  of  the  committee, 
and  made  an  appropriation  of  $13,500  to  pay  the  cost  of  a 
dredging  machine. 


103 


Under  the  direction  of  Col.  De  Hussy,  the  dredging  ma- 
chine was  constructed,  and  on  the  24th  March,  1854,  com- 
menced operations  on  Richmond  Bar,  and  in  eight  months 
there  were  removed  41,542  cubic  yards  of  sand,  at  a cost  of 
$5,776  63.  This  amount  includes  every  expense  incident  to 
working  the  dredging  machine,  (exclusive  of  the  cost  of  the 
scows,)  keeping  it  in  order  by  renewing  machinery  worn  out 
or  broken,  and  furnishing  permanent  fixtures  at  considerable 
cost.  During  the  progress  of  dredging  on  Richmond  Bar, 
the  operations  were  very  much  delayed  by  the  difficulty  and 
time  lost  in  removing  a loaded  scow  to  a proper  place  to  de- 
posit the  sand,  and  return  the  same  to  the  dredging  machine, 
to  take  the  place  of  several  scows  that  could  be  loaded  in  the 
time  taken  to  discharge  one  and  return  it. 

To  obviate  the  difficulty,  as  well  as  to  economise  expense, 
and  facilitate  the  opening  a channel  through  Richmond  Bar, 
(and  other  bars  composed  of  like  material,)  at  the  earliest 
time  possible,  Col.  De  Russy  suggested  the  propriety  of  pro- 
curing a small  steam  tug-boat  to  tow  the  scows  to  and  from 
the  dredging  machine.  The  Committee  on  the  James  River 
Improvement  concurred  with  Col.  De  Russy,  and  influenced 
by  the  motives  that  governed  them  in  procuring  the  dredging 
machine,  so  reported  to  the  Council. 

The  Council  approved  the  report,  and  made  an  appropria- 
tion of  $6,000  to  pay  for  the  tug-boat. 

Considerable  time  was  lost  before  Col.  De  Russy  could  make 
a satisfactory  contract  for  the  construction  of  the  tug-boat, 
and  before  it  was  completed  he  was  commissioned  by  the 
United  States  to  take  charge  of  government  works  in  Cali- 
fornia. By  the  removal  of  Col.  De  Russy,  the  James  River 
Improvement  lost  an  active  and  energetic  advocate,  an  advo- 
cacy based  on  frequent  examinations  of  the  work  to  be  done, 
and  his  conviction  of  the  practicability  of  attaining  the  object 


104 


desired.  The  committee  bear  willing  testimony  to  their  plea- 
sant intercourse  with  Col.  De  Russy,  and  their  high  apprecia- 
tion of  his  valuable  services  to  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Brevet  Colonel  John  L.  Smith  succeeded  Colonel  De  Russy 
in  the  management  of  the  United  States  appropriation,  and 
to  the  control  and  direction  of  the  work  on  the  river. 

After  examining  the  operations  as  far  as  they  had  pro- 
gressed, and  hearing  the  views  of  the  committee  of  the  Coun- 
cil, and  their  plan  of  operations,  which  met  his  approval,  with 
the  view  of  economising  expenditure,  he  consented  to  place 
the  control  of  the  work  under  the  charge  of  the  committee, 
or  a member,  all  the  operations  subject  to  his  direction.  A 
member  of  the  committee  volunteered  to  assume  the  position, 
and,  with  the  approval  of  Brevet  Colonel  Smith,  continues  to 
direct  the  operations. 

The  sand  removed  from  Richmond  Bar  opened  a channel 
about  one  hundred  feet  wide,  varying  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
feet  deep  at  full  tide,  where  before  there  was  only  about  ten 
feet  water. 

The  successful  opening  of  the  channel  through  Richmond 
Bar,  and  the  great  advantages  to  commerce  in  consequence, 
was  marred  by  but  one  drawback,  the  fear  entertained  by 
some  persons  that  the  improvement  would  not  be  permanent. 
Now  there  is  but  little  to  apprehend  on  that  account,  as  a re- 
cent examination  of  the  channel,  nine  months  after  it  was 
opened,  proves  about  sixteen  feet  depth  of  water,  though  the 
river  has  been  more  or  less  affected  by  freshes  half  the  time. 
Experience  proves  that  there  is  a tendency  on  all  the  bars 
composed  of  other  material  than  stone,  to  deepen  as  the  size 
of  vessels  passing  over  them  is  increased. 

The  result  of  the  operations  on  Richmond  Bar  left  no  ques- 
tion of  doubt  of  the  practicability  of  securing  eighteen  feet 
depth  of  water  to  Hampton  Roads. 


The  obstructions  are,  first:  Warwick  Bar,  present  depth  of 
water  fifteen  feet,  can  be  dredged  in  a short  time  to  18  feet. 
Second  : Trent’s  Reach,  where  there  is  only  about  12J  feet, 
but  very  little  dredging  is  required  to  open  the  north  channel 
(the  south  channel  being  now  used)  which  would  give  18  feet 
water  to  Curie’s  Neck.  Third:  at  Curie’s  Neck  the  present 
depth  of  water  16  feet,  can  be  deepened  to  18  feet,  which  can 
be  carried  to  Harrison’s  Bar.  Fourth  : Harrison’s  Bar,  pre- 
sent depth  of  water  16J  to  17  feet,  several  surveys  indicating 
that  it  can  be  readily  dredged  to  18  feet  depth  of  water,  which 
can  be  carried  to  Hampton  Roads  by  deepening  the  channel 
through  Goose  Hill  flats. 

The  obstacles  to  eighteen  feet  depth  of  water  from  Rich- 
mond Bar  to  the  city,  are  formidable.  The  desire  to  ascertain 
the  practicability  of  removing  them,  influenced  the  effort  to 
do  so,  before  dredging  was  commenced  below  that  point.  After 
opening  Richmond  Bar,  and  giving  sixteen  feet  water  to  within 
about  two  and  a half  miles  of  the  city,  the  dredging  machine 
was  brought  up  to  Rocketts  Bar,  to  commence  operations  as 
soon  as  a thorough  examination  of  it  could  determine  in  what 
way  the  obstructions  could  be  removed.  Several  days  were 
occupied  in  examining  the  river,  which  proved  the  obstruc- 
tions to  be  numerous,  consisting  of  large  and  small  boulders 
resting  on  a bed  of  granite,  extending  across  the  river,  about 
two  hundred  feet  wide,  shelving  off  on  the  city  side  from  the 
surface  of  the  granite  into  eighteen  feet  water,  and  on  the  oppo- 
site side  into  thirteen  feet  water.  The  bed  of  the  river  from 
Rocketts  Bar,  to  deep  water  this  side  of  Richmond  Bar,  is 
hard  sand,  and  can  readily  be  dredged  out  to  any  required 
depth.  The  obstructions  at  Rocketts  Bar  could  not  be  re- 
moved by  the  buckets  of  the  dredging  machine.  They  were 
unshipped,  and  a pair  of  ponderous  tongs,  slung  by  a chain 
working  over  a sheave  block,  attached,  and  the  work  com- 
menced. 


14 


106 


The  result  was  eminently  encouraging,  as  in  about  five 
months,  many  hundred  tons  of  stone,  varying  from  small  size 
up  to  boulders,  weighing,  by  estimate,  about  twenty  thousand 
pounds,  were  removed  from  the  channel. 

The  importance  of  the  work  done  at  this  point,  was  signal- 
ly exemplified,  as  in  the  course  of  removing  the  stone  several 
rolls  of  copper  sheathing  torn  from  the  bottom  of  vessels  was 
lifted,  and  in  the  irregularities  of  the  large  boulders,  after 
they  were  placed  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  many  copper 
sheathing  nails  were  found.  The  material  removed,  left  the 
bed  of  granite  with  a uniform  surface  and  thirteen  feet  water, 
available  to  vessels,  where  before  there  was  not  more  than 
about  ten  and  a half  feet. 

At  this  point  the  only  serious  difficulty  exists,  to  obtaining 
eighteen  feet  depth  of  water,  from  Hampton  Roads  into  the 
port  of  Richmond,  and  the  practicability  of  making  a channel 
through  the  bed  of  granite,  which  numerous  soundings  proved 
to  be  solid  and  very  hard,  was  to  be  determined.  The  ser- 
vices of  a person  used  to  operating  under  water  was  secured, 
and  after  considerable  difficulty  a complete  suit  of  sub-marine 
armor  and  all  the  necessary  apparatus  were  obtained.  Also 
a powerful  voltaic  battery,  with  all  the  necessary  fixtures  for 
exploding  gun  powder  under  water.  Drilling  in  the  granite 
was  commenced  on  the  city  side,  and  in  many  cases  the  holes 
were  sunk  ten  feet  deep  Many  of  the  charges  exploded 
without  breaking  up  the  granite.  On  the  3d  of  July  the  first 
telling  explosion  took  place,  by  "which  several  tons  of  the 
solid  granite  were  broken  up,  then  lifted  out  and  deposited  on 
the  shore.  Since  that  time  drillincr  holes,  charging  and  ex- 
ploding  twelve  feet  under  water,  has  proceeded  with  as  much 
regularity  and  success  as  attends  blasting  operations  on  land. 

To  this  time,  31st  October,  a space  has  been  opened  in  the 
granite  33  feet  long  by  30  feet  wide,  and  four  feet  deep, 


107 


giving  at  full  tide  about  17  to  18  feet  depth  of  water.  The 
plan  of  operations  for  the  present  is  to  open  a channel  through 
the  bed  of  granite  fifty  feet  wide,  and  deep  enough  to  secure 
eighteen  feet  depth  of  water  at  full  tide,  which  will  require  the 
removal  of  about  1,850  cubic  yards  of  granite.  To  this  time 
about  150  cubic  yards  have  been  removed.  Blasting  will  soon 
be  discontinued,  until  suitable  weather  in  the  spring  will  allow 
the  work  to  be  resumed  to  advantage.  As  soon  as  the  work 
is  stopped  at  Rocketts  Bar,  it  is  proposed  to  put  the  dredging 
machine  in  order,  and  commence  opening  a channel  through 
the  several  obstructions  between  Richmond  Bar  and  Harri- 
son’s Bar,  so  that  vessels  engaged  in  the  commerce  of  Rich- 
mond, now  discharging  and  receiving  their  cargoes  at  City 
Point  or  Bermuda  Hundreds,  can  come  up  to  Warwick,  and 
some  into  the  port  of  Richmond  with  part  of  their  cargoes. 
From  the  best  information  to  be  obtained,  it  is  confidently 
expected  that  the  proposed  work  can  be  done  within  three 
months. 

The  appropriation  by  Congress  for  the  improvement  of  the 
James  river  will  be  absorbed  by  the  pay  roll  of  this  month, 
(October,)  and  unless  the  City  Council  will  loan  the  money 
necessary  to  meet  the  monthly  expenses  until  another  appro- 
priation is  made  by  Congress,  the  progress  of  a work  of  so 
much  importance  to  this  city  must  stop.  To  stop  the  work 
now  will  involve  certain  heavy  loss,  as  the  dredging  machine, 
scows  and  steam  tug  boat  will  be  seriously  injured  by  several 
months  exposure  without  personal  supervision,  if  not  rendered 
utterly  useless  for  the  resumption  of  work.  The  loss  of  tools 
and  fixtures,  also,  will  be  considerable. 

The  suspension  of  the  work  involves  the  necessity  to  dis- 
charge the  energetic  Superintendent,  James  S.  Richardson, 
and  several  hands  who  are  valuable,  because  of  their  famili- 
arity with  the  work. 


108 


If  furtherjappropriations  are  made  to  river  and  harbor  im- 
provements the  ensuing  session’of  Congress,  it  is’reasonable 
to  assume  that  no  improvement  can  present  stronger  claims 
than  the  James  river,  both  a3  a State  and  national  improve- 
ment. 

Judging  by  the  work  done,  and  to  be  done,  ascertained  by 
surveys  made,  and  by  information  obtained  from  Captain  S. 
Skinner,  one  of  the  most  experienced  pilots  on  James  river, 
it  is  confidently  believed  that  the  judicious  outlay  of  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars  will  secure  at  least  eighteen  feet 
depth  of  water  from  Hampton  Roads  to  this  city.  Viewed  as 
a national  work  for  military  objects,  what  estimate  of  the  ad- 
vantages can  be  too  exaggerated — to  have  navigation  for  ves- 
sels of  eighteen  feet  draft  of  water  to  the  city  of  Richmond, 
that  in  a short  time  will  be  in  connection  with  the  valley  of 
the  Mississippi  at  two  points,  say  by  railroad  to  Memphis,  and 
by  railroad  and  canal  to  the  Ohio  river.  The  importance  of 
this  view  of  the  subject  is  practically  illustrated  by  the  fact, 
that  the  machinery  for  a national  steamer  is  now  constructing 
in  this  city,  and  where,  with  the  depth  of  water  that  can  be 
obtained,  the  machinery  could  be  placed  in  large  class  na- 
tional vessels.  The  capacity  of  the  iron  works  of  this  city, 
to  furnish  cannon  and  other  munitions  of  war,  need  only  be 
limited  by  the  demand.  What  the  improvement  of  the  James 
river  may  be  to  the  military  affairs  of  the  nation,  will  be  a 
thousand  fold  increased  in  its  commercial  importance.  Al- 
ready the  improvement  effected  is  realized  by  vessels  engaged 
in  the  trade  of  this  city.  A few  months  work  will  bring 
within  five  miles  of  the  city  large  vessels  that  now  transact 
their  business  forty-five  miles  d:  slant.  With  a large  and  con- 
stantly increasing  trade,  alone  of  sufficient  importance  to  se- 
cure the  care  of  Congress,  with  ether  portions  of  the  Union, 
it  is  but  the  beginning  of  the  v;  jt  trade  from  the  interior  that 


109 


will  seek  the  markets  of  the  world  through  James  river, 
attracted  by  the  shortest,  and  consequently  the  cheapest  route 
to  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

With  these  views,  it  is  but  reasonable  to  suppose  that  if 
Congress  makes  appropriations  to  river  and  harbor  improve- 
ments, the  James  River  Improvement  from  its  commanding 
importance,  not  local  to  Virginia,  but  of  equal  importance  to 
a large  extent  of  the  great  West,  will  receive  an  appropria- 
tion that  will  complete  the  work  so  favorably  commenced. 

The  money  that  may  be  expended  by  the  Council  of  the 
city  of  Richmond  in  continuing  the  improvement  at  so  great 
economy  of  time  and  money,  will,  doubtless,  be  returned  out 
of  any  appropriations  made  by  Congress. 

It  is  evident  from  the  foregoing  facts,  the  improvement  of 
James  river  is  eminently  practical,  can  be  effected  at  compa- 
ratively small  cost,  and  that  results  most  important  to  our 
commerce  and  the  prosperity  of  the  city  will  thereby  be  ac- 
complished. This  is  apparent  to  all  who  have  investigated 
the  merits  of  the  scheme,  and  the  progress  of  the  work  thus 
far.  Thus  it  has  acquired  the  practical  and  valuable  aid  of 
W.  Gill,  Esq.,  City  Engineer,  who  when  asked  by  the  com- 
mittee to  make  a survey  of  Rocketts  Bar,  became  interested 
in  the  whole  improvement,  and  has  given  much  valuable  in- 
formation. Herewith  is  furnished  a copy  of  W.  Gill’s  report, 
made  to  Brevet  Colonel  John  L.  Smith,  at  his  request. 

Respectfully, 

1 

October  31,  1855. 


THOS.  W.  McCANCE. 


110 


Richmond,  Oct,  5th,  1855. 

Brev't  Col.  John  L.  Smith: 

Sir — Agreeably  to  the  request  contained  in  your  letter  of 
the  1st  inst.,  I have  hastily  collected,  and  now  present  for 
your  consideration  such  facts  and  information  in  relation  to 
the  improvement  of  the  James  river,  below  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond, as  my  limited  time  and  numerous  other  duties  will 
permit. 

The  dredge  boat  commenced  operations  on  Richmond  Bar 
about  the  middle  of  March,  1854,  and  in  the  short  space  of 
eight  months  removed  41,542  cubic  yards  of  sand  and  mud, 
thus  affording  a depth  of  water  in  the  channel  varying  from 
16  to  20  feet  at  ordinary  high  tide,  for  the  entire  length  of 
the  bar,  and  for  a width  of  over  one  hundred  feet.  In  order 
to  be  fully  satisfied  with  regard  to  the  filling  up  of  this  chan- 
nel, a series  of  soundings  were  instituted  after  the  lapse  of 
nearly  a year  from  the  time  of  the  first  removal  of  the  bar, 
and  the  channel  was  found  to  be  of  nearly  the  same  depth  as 
at  first,  but  presenting  a much  more  uniform  bottom,  thus 
conclusively  establishing  the  important  fact,  that  the  action 
of  the  tide,  and  the  frequent  passage  of  vessels  will  have  a 
great  tendency  to  keep  the  channel  open. 

After  the  removal  of  the  Richmond  Bar,  it  was  deemed 
advisable  to  direct  our  operations  next,  to  the  removal  of  the 
rocky  ledge  in  the  channel  of  the  river,  immediately  below 
the  eastern  limits  of  the  city  of  Richmond. 

This  point  has  always  been  deemed  by  pilots  and  captains 
of  vessels  as  the  most  dangerous  of  any  on  the  whole  river, 
on  account  of  the  numerous  detached  rocks  and  large  boul- 
ders which  obstructed  the  bottom  of  the  channel.  These  ob- 
structions have  all  been  entirely  removed  from  the  channel, 
which  is  rone  two  hundred  feet  in  length,  by  over  one  hun- 


Ill 


dred  feet  in  width,  so  that  vessels  drawing  more  than  two  feet 
more  water  than  formerly,  can  now  pass  with  safety.  In 
order  to  obtain  the  desired  depth  of  eighteen  feet  water  at 
ordinary  high  tide  at  this  point,  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove 
by  sub -marine  blasting,  some  four  or  five  feet  more  in  depth 
of  solid  rock.  With  this  view  we  recently  purchased  a sub- 
marine armor  and  voltaic  battery,  and  procured  the  services 
of  a competent  sub-marine  diver,  and  commenced  the  work. 
The  operation  of  drilling  the  rock,  is  performed  from  plat- 
forms on  the  surface  of  the  water,  on  which  the  workmen  can 
operate  with  as  much  facility  and  ease  as  on  dry  land.  On 
our  first  commencement  considerable  difficulty  was  experienced 
in  loosening  the  rock  sufficiently  from  the  solid  ledge  to  en- 
able us  to  raise  it  to  the  surface  of  the  water,  the  depth  of 
the  water  always  exerting  a tendency  to  keep  the  rock  from 
rising.  After  several  unsuccessful  attempts,  we,  however, 
succeeded  in  effecting  an  opening  in  the  solid  ledge,  since 
which  time  the  work  of  blasting  has  been  carried  on  very 
successfully  and  without  interruption,  and  we  have  succeeded 
in  blasting  a channel  in  the  ledge,  33  feet  long,  by  30  feet 
wide,  and  from  four  to  five  feet  deep,  in  about  four  months 
time,  with  a very  small  force  ; thus  demonstrating  beyond 
contingency,  the  practicability  of  removing  the  entire  rocky 
ledge  in  question.  I am  confidently  of  the  opinion,  that  with 
a competent  force  the  entire  channel  for  the  length  of  about 
200  feet,  by  50  feet  in  width  could  be  removed  in  the  course 
of  about  one  year.  The  operations  of  sub-marine  blasting 
and  dredging  could  be  carried  on  simultaneously,  so  that  in 
about  eighteen  months,  or  two  years  at  farthest,  we  could 
afford  water  sufficient  to  bring  large  class  vessels  to  our 
wharves,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  this  depth  of  water 
could  always  be  maintained  with  the  present  dredge  boat,  at 
comparatively  small  outlay.  The  vast  advantage  resulting  to 
our  city  by  the  consummation  of  this  scheme  of  improvement, 


112 


thus  securing  an  ample  outlet  to  the  vast  quantities  of  pro- 
duce which  will  flow  into  our  city  on  the  completion  of  our 
numerous  lines  of  internal  improvement,  will,  in  a few  years, 
place  the  city  of  Richmond  in  a position,  in  point  of  popula- 
tion and  commerce,  which  she  ought  to  have  occupied  years 
ago. 

W.  GILL,  Citg  Eng'r. 


The  committee  on  the  James  River  Improvement,  recom- 
mend the  Council  to  adopt  the  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lutions : 

Whereas,  it  appears  by  a report  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement that  much  progress  has  been  made  in  removing  the 
obstructions  to  deep  water  navigation  to  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond. 

First.  By  opening  a passage  through  Richmond  Bar  for 
vessels  drawing  seventeen  feet  water,  where  before  there  was 
not  more  than  ten  and  a half  feet. 

Second.  By  removing  the  boulders  at  Rocketts  Bar,  that 
have  heretofore  done  serious  damage  to  vessels,  and  securing 
about  thirteen  feet  depth  of  water,  where  before  there  was 
about  ten  and  a half  feet. 

Third.  By  the  removal  of  part  of  the  solid  granite  forming 
Rocketts  Bar,  and  obtaining  seventeen  to  eighteen  feet  depth 
of  water,  where  before  there  was  about  ten  and  a half  feet, 
and  thereby  proving  the  important  fact,  that  at  small  cost  the 
balance  of  the  granite  can  be  removed,  and  eighteen  feet 
depth  of  water  secured  from  Richmond  to  Hampton  Roads. 

And  whereas,  it  appears  that  the  appropriation  made  by 
Congress  for  the  James  River  Improvement  is  nearly  ex- 
pended, and  that  by  continuing  the  dredging  at  Warwick  Bar, 
Trent’s  Reach  and  Curie’s  Neck,  about  three  months  longer, 
that  obstructions  to  navigation  at  those  points  can  be  sufli- 


113 


ciently  removed,  to  allow  vessels  engaged  in  the  foreign  com- 
merce of  Virginia,  done  through  the  city  of  Richmond,  now 
loading  and  discharging  cargo  forty-five  miles  distant,  to  load 
and  discharge  cargo  within  five  miles,  and  to  some  extent 
within  the  port  of  Richmond,  and  that  much  valuable  mate- 
rial will  be  preserved  for  the  prompt  continuance  of  the  work, 
if  the  ensuing  Congress  shall  make  further  appropriations  to 
river  and  harbor  improvements,  including  an  appropriation 
for  James  river. 

Therefore,  to  secure  an  object  of  such  great  importance  to 
the  trade  of  the  city,  be  it 

Resolved , That  the  committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  Chamberlain  for  the 
amount  of  the  monthly  expenditures,  not  exceeding  two  thou- 
sand dollars  in  the  aggregate,  to  secure  the  objects  above 
alluded  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  be  required  to  keep  certified 
vouchers  for  all  money  expended,  so  that  a proper  claim  may 
be  presented  for  the  return  of  the  same  out  of  any  further 
appropriations  by  Congress  for  the  James  River  Improvement. 

“ The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement, received  a letter  from  Brevet  Colonel  John  L. 
Smith,  dated  14th  December,  1855,  enclosing  a check  for 
$314  03,  amount  of  the  pay  roll  for  the  month  of  Novem- 
ber,— see  copy  of  account  marked  A, — at  the  same  time  ad- 
vising that  there  remained  in  his  hands  of  the  James  river 
appropriation  by  Congress  but  $6  57.  Necessary  repairs  to 
the  dredging  machine  and  scows,  and  the  getting  coal  and 
materials  on  board  delayed  the  commencement  of  dredging  at 
Trent’s  Reach  until  the  30th  November.  Since  dredging  has 
commenced  some  interruption  and  damage  to  the  dredge  boat 
has  been  sustained  by  being  run  into  by  steamers  and  sail 
vessels.  See  Superintendent  Richardson’s  letter  of  9th  De- 
15 


114 


eember,  marked  B.  The  following  accounts  against  the  James 
River  Improvement  are  correct,  and  will  have  to  be  paid  out 
of  the  appropriation  made  by  the  Council  on  the  12th  No- 
vember : 


Tunis  A.  Brown,  - . - $199  12 

The  Richmond  Marine  Railway,  - 50  00 

E.  H.  Skinker  & Co.,  - - 39  64 

Midlothian  Coal  Mining  Company,  - 165  00 

Purcell,  Ladd  & Co.,  - - 44  30 

R.  O.  Haskins,  - - 49  75 

E.  J.  Sinton  & Co.,  - 64  50 

Gr.  & A.  Bargamin,  - - 43  12 

Pay  roll  for  month  of  December,  - 259  71 


Amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  §915  14 


“The  attention  of  the  committee  is  called  to  the  Superin- 
tendent’s report,  furnishing  the  pay  roll  for  the  month  of 
December,  1855,  marked  C.  The  superintendent  suggests 
some  necessary  repairs,  (which  he  has  direction  to  have  done,) 
also  thinks  it  will  take  some  five  or  six  months  to  make  18 
feet  water  through  Trent’s  Reach. 

“At  a meeting  of  the  committee,  at  the  Chamberlain’s 
office,  on  the  8th  of  January,  1856 — present,  Messrs.  Mc- 
Cance,  Mills,  Scott  and  Stearns,  the  foregoing  repot t was 
read,  and  the  accounts  listed  above,  and  the  papers  A,  B and 
C,  were  submitted,  the  report  was  approved,  and  the  accounts 
directed  to  be  certified  to  the  Chamberlain  for  payment. 

THOS.  W.  McCANCE, 
Chmn  Com.  on  Jas.  River  Imp. 

“ Owing  to  the  navigation  of  the  river  being  stopped  by 
ice,  no  dredging  was  done  during  the  month  of  January, 
1856. 


115 


“ Certified  the  Superintendent’s  account  for  $60  to  the 
Chamberlain  for  payment,  for  the  month  of  January.  See 
report  of  Superintendent,  marked  D. 

“ The  superintendent  was  directed  to  examine  the  cut 
through  Richmond  Bar  after  the  navigation  opened.  He 
reports  the  channel  in  as  good  condition  as  before  the  closing 
of  navigation,  with  16  to  17  feet  water  at  full  tide.  See 
report,  marked  E. 

“ The  pay  roll  for  the  month  of  February  amounts  to 
$116  37 — rvhich  is  certified  to  the  Chamberlain  for  payment. 
See  report  for  the  month,  marked  F. 

“ The  following  accounts  are  correct,  and  will  have  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  appropriation  made  by  the  Council : 


See  report,  marked  G. 

“ The  bills  certified  to  the  Chamberlain,  and  the  above 
bills,  amount  to  $1,900  75,  which  deducted  from  the  appro 
priation  of  $2,000,  made  by  the  Council  on  the  12th  Novem- 
ber, 1855,  leaves  a balance  of  $99  25,  which  will  not  pay 
outstanding  bills  to  be  presented. 

“ The  intense  cold  of  the  past  winter  closed  navigation  for 
about  sixty  days,  and  prevented  all  dredging  operations, 
whilst  many  of  the  expenses  were  of  necessity  continued. 


T.  Robertson, 

Tunis  A.  Brown, 

E.  II.  Skinker  & Co., 

Faherty  & Walsh, 

Talbott  & Bro., 

R O.  Haskins, 

R.  O.  Haskins, 

S,  Heffley, 

Pay  roll  for*  the  month  of  March, 


$11  00 
13  80 
40  76 
47  71 
122  48 
101  47 
131  28 
5 59 
335  15 


Amounting  to  $809  24 


116 


The  dredging  machine,  tug-boat  and  scows  have  all  been 
overhauled  and  repaired,  and  will  require  but  little  additional 
expense  on  them  for  some  time  to  come.  For  the  short  time 
dredging  has  been  regularly  going  on,  encouraging  progress 
has  been  made  in  securing  a channel  of  17  to  18  feet  water 
through  Trent’s  Reach.  By  the  report  ending  31st  March, 
(marked  G,)  it  will  be  seen  that  the  superintendent  thinks  the 
channel  through  Trent’s  Reach  will  be  opened  by  the  first  of 
July.  In  view  of  the  extraordinary  progress  already  made 
in  securing  deep  water  navigation  to  Richmond,  at  small  cost, 
compared  with  the  vast  benefit  that  the  city  will  realize  when 
that  object  is  attained,  induced  the  committee  to  allow  the 
dredging  to  be  continued,  believing  the  Council  would  ap- 
prove their  action.  The  committee  have  adopted  a memorial 
to  Congress,  stating  all  the  facts  bearing  on  the  James  River 
Improvement,  asking  a further  appropriation  of  8100,000  to 
complete  the  improvement,  and  to  return  to  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond the  money  advanced  to  continue  the  work,  when  the 
appropriation  made  by  the  United  States  was  exhausted. 

“The  committee  impelled  by  the  importance  of  the  object 
sought  to  be  accomplished,  as  set  forth  in  the  report,  pream- 
ble and  resolutions  on  the  James  River  Improvement,  adopted 
by  the  Council  on  the  12th  November,  1855,  recommend  that 
the  Council  shall  make  a further  appropriation  of  §2,000,  to 
continue  the  improvement  of  James  river. 

“Ac  a meeting  of  the  committee,  at  the  Chamberlain’s 
office,  on  the  31st  March,  1856,  the  papers  D,  E,  F,  G,  and 
the  accounts  listed  above  were  submitted,  and  the  accounts 
were  directed  to  be  certified  to  the  Chamberlain  for  payment, 
and  the  report  and  recommendation  to  the  Council  for  its 
action. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  ubmitted. 

THOS.  W.  McCANCE, 

Ch  n of  Com?  ee  of  the  J.  R.  I. 


117 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Scott,  the  foregoing  report  was  received  ; 
and  then 

Mr.  Scott  offered  the  following  : 

“ Resolved , 1st.  That  the  committee  on  the  James  River 
Improvement,  be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  Chamberlain  for 
the  amount  of  the  monthly  expenditures,  not  exceeding  two 
thousand  dollars  in  the  aggregate,  to  secure  the  objects  re- 
ferred to  in  a report  made  this  day  by  the  committee. 

“ 2d.  That  the  committee  be  required  to  keep  certified 
vouchers  for  all  money  expended,  so  that  a proper  claim  may 
be  presented  for  the  return  of  the  same  out  of  any  further 
appropriations  by  Congress  for  the  James  River  Improvement. 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Robinson,  the  foregoing  resolutions 
were  laid  on  the  table. 

May  13th,  1856  : 

Mr.  Saunders  presented  the  following  : 

“ At  a meeting  of  the  Council  on  the  14th  April,  1856 — 
Messrs.  Saunders,  Richards,  Scott,  Morriss  and  Robinson,  of 
the  Council,  and  McCance,  Macfarland,  Giles  and  Stanard, 
citizens,  were  appointed  a committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement. 

“ At  a meeting  of  the  committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement, on  the  6th  May,  1856,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Saun- 
ders, Mr.  McCance  was  appointed  chairman  of  said  committee, 

“ The  chairman  called  the  attention  of  the  committee  to 
tlie  report  of  the  (late)  committee,  made  to  the  Council  on 
the  , showing  that  the  appropriation  made  by 

the  Council  on  the  12th  November,  1855,  to  continue  dredg- 
ing at  and  above  Trent’s  Reach,  was  exhausted,  leaving  some 
bills  unpaid,  and  that  the  expenses  for  the  month  of  April 
about  $550,  were  unprovided  for.  The  report  of  the  Super- 
tendent  for  the  month  of  April  was  examined.  It  shows 
favorable  progress  of  the  work,  and  confirms  the  opinion  here- 


118 


tofore  expressed,  that  the  channel  through  Trent’s  Reach, 
will  be  completed  by  the  first  of  July  next. 

“ A bill  asking  §50,000  to  continue  the  improvement  of 
James  river,  has  been  reported  to  Congress,  and  it  is  hoped  it 
will  pass  and  relieve  the  city  from  further  outlay.  In  the  mean- 
time the  committee  concur  in  opinion  that  the  best  interests 
of  the  city  demand  that  the  dredging  ought  to  be  continued 
until  deep  water  navigation  is  secured  through  Trent’s  Reach 
and  Warwick  Bars.  The  committee  recommend  that  the 
Council  appropriate  one  thousand  dollars  to  pay  expenses  in- 
curred, and  to  continue  the  improvement. 

THOS.  W.  McCANCE, 
Chm’n  of  Gom’ee  of  the  J.  R.  1. 

The  foregoing  report  was  received  by  the  Council — and, 
thereupon,  Mr.  Saunders  offered  the  following : 

“ Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  be  ap- 
propriated for  the  James  River  Improvement,  asked  for  by  the 
committee  on  said  improvement.” 

And  the  13th  rule  having  been  first  suspended,  this  resolu- 
tion was  adopted. 

August  1 ltli,  1856  : 

Mr.  Robinson  presented  the  following  report,  from  the 
committee  on  the  James  River  Improvement : 

“ By  report  made  31st  March,  1856,  the  committee  on  the 
James  River  Improvement  recommended  the  Council  to  ap- 
propriate §2,000,  to  defray  the  cost  of  opening  a channel 
through  Trent’s  Reach.  At  a subsequent  meeting  on  the 
16th  April,  1856,  the  committee  recommended  the  Council  to 
appropriate  one-half  the  above  amount,  and  the  balance  when 
necessary. 

The  Council  made  the  appropriation  on  the  13th  May,  with 
the  understanding  that  another  appropriation  would  be  made 


119 


to  defray  the  cost  of  the  work,  when  ascertained.  The  ap- 
propriation made,  and  to  he  made,  had  special  reference  to 
opening  a channel  through  Trent’s  Reach,  and  removing 
other  obstructions,  so  as  to  admit  shipping  engaged  in  the 
commerce  of  the  city  forced  to  stop  at  City  Point,  forty-five 
miles  distant,  to  discharge  and  receive  cargo  at  Warwick, 
four  miles  from  the  city.  When  operations  were  first  com- 
menced at  Trent’s  Reach,  on  the  30th  November,  1855,  it 
was  estimated  that  the  work  could  be  completed  by  the  1st  of 
July  past,  but  the  intense  cold  of  last  winter  retarded  the 
work  considerably,  and  slightly  increased  the  cost. 

About  the  middle  of  July  the  superintendent  of  the  dredge 
boat  reported  the  channel  through  Trent’s  Reach  opened  and 
above  seventeen  feet  water  at  full  tide  over  the  bar.  On  the 
16th  July  the  committee  and  W.  Gill,  City  Engineer,  were 
notified  and  requested  to  meet  the  next  day,  for  the  purpose 
of  examining  the  river  from  Warwick  to,  and  including 
Trent’s  Reach.  Present  on  the  17th  July,  Messrs.  Scott  and 
McCance  of  the  Committee,  W.  Gill,  City  Engineer.  Capt. 
Burke  and  Mr.  David  Currie.  A careful  examination  of  the 
channel  of  the  river  from  Warwick  to  and  through  Trent’s 
Reach,  proved  depth  of  water  sufficient  to  admit  vessels 
stopping  at  City  Point  to  come  up  to  Warwick,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a small  space  in  the  channel  through  Trent’s 
Reach.  Since  that  time  the  channel  through  Trent’s  Reach 
has  been  deepened  at  the  shallow  places,  and  now  there  is 
sufficient  depth  of  water  to  allow  vessels  stopping  at  City 
Point  to  come  up  to  Warwick.  The  channel  through  Trent’s 
Reach  has  been  designated  by  three  buoys  on  the  north  side 
of  the  river. 

The  Chamberlain  has  paid,  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee has  in  hand  certified  accounts  amounting  in  the  aggre- 
gate to  §2,157  34 — which,  with  accounts  not  yet  presented, 
will  amount  to  about  §2,500 — which  it  is  believed  will  cover 


120 


the  cost  of  opening  a channel  for  large  class  vessels  to  War- 
wick. The  committee  recommend  the  Council  to  adopt  the 
following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  Chamberlain  for  the 
amount  of  the  outstanding  hills  incurred  in  the  improvement 
of  James  river,  not  exceeding  in  the  aggregate  the  sum  of 
$1,500. 

At  a meeting  on  the  3d  July,  to  consider  what  action  the 
committee  should  recommend  the  Council  to  adopt  in  regard 
to  removing  the  obstructions  to  large  class  vessels  entering 
the  port  of  Richmond,  in  the  event  that  Congress  should  fail 
to  make  an  appropriation  to  continue  the  improvement  of 
James  river,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  and  the 
chairman  requested  to  communicate  the  same  to  W.  Gill,  City 
Engineer. 

“ Resolved,  That  the  City  Engineer  be  requested  to  furnish 
the  committee  with  a statement  of  the  probable  expense  per 
month,  and  the  probable  cost  of  opening  a channel  through 
the  ledge  of  rocks  forming  Rocketts  Bar,  so  as  to  admit  large 
class  vessels  to  enter  the  port. 

At  a meeting  of  the  committee  on  the  7th  inst.,  the  reply 
of  the  City  Engineer  was  submitted,  and  is  herewith  returned 
as  part  of  this  report. 

As  the  estimate  of  the  Engineer  is  based  on  a portion  of 
the  work  done,  there  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt  of  the  prac- 
ticability of  opening  a channel  into  the  port  for  large  class 
vessels,  and  at  moderate  cost.  To  stop  the  work  will  involve 
certain  heavy  loss  ; the  work  prosecuted,  and  the  object  ob- 
tained will  give  a new  impulse  to  every  interest  in  the  city, 
and  be  worth  millions  in  her  future  history.  With  active 
opponents  on  every  side  struggling  for  commercial  supremacy, 
and  willing  to  spend  hundreds  of  thousands  for  a water  navi- 
gation that  this  city  can  secure  at  a comparative  small  amount, 
the  committee  earnestly  urge  the  Council  to  authorize  the 


121 


committee  to  make  arrangements  to  prosecute  the  work,  an  1 
offer  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  James  River  Improve- 
ment, be  authorized  to  make  arrangements  to  open  a channel 
through  Rocketts  Bar,  of  sufficient  depth  to  admit  large  class 
vessels  into  the  port  of  Richmond,  at  an  expense  not  exceed- 
ing eight  hundred  dollars  per  month. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

THOS.  W.  McCANCE, 
Chm’n  of  Gom’ee  on  the  J.  R.  I. 

August  6tli,  1856. 

To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of 

the  Committee  on  the  Jas.  River  Improvement : 

Gentlemen — In  accordance  with  a resolution  of  your  com- 
mittee of  the  3d  inst.,  I herewith  report  that  I have  estimated 
the  probable  monthly  expenditure  which  will  be  required  to 
continue  the  operations  of  removing  the  rocky  ledge  at  Rock- 
etts Bar,  and  am  of  the  opinion  that  the  same  will  not  exceed 
the  sum  of  eight  hundred  dollars.  Judging  from  what  has 
already  been  done,  I would  suppose  that  a channel  50  feet 
wide  by  5 feet  deep,  could  be  cut  through  this  ledge  for  about 
twenty-five  or  thirty  thousand  dollars. 

I presume  your  committee  are  aware  that  if  this  work  is 
suspended,  and  that  the  dredge  and  tug-boats,  together  with 
their  valuable  machinei’y,  are  laid  up  for  an  indefinite  period, 
that  the  ultimate  loss  thereby  to  the  city  would  fully  equal 
the  interest  on  the  amount  required  to  continue  the  work, 
without  taking  into  consideration  the  great  liability  to  acci- 
dents to  which  the  above  property  would  be  constantly  ex- 
posed while  lying  idle  and  unprotected. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

W.  GILL,  City  Eng’r. 

July  1 Ith,  1856. 

16 


122 


Mr.  Robinson  moved  that  the  foregoing  report  be  received 
and  laid  on  the  table,  which  was  carried. 

Mr  Saunders  moved  that  the  resolution  contained  in  the 
foregoing  report,  authorizing  the  committee  to  draw  on  the 
Chamberlain  for  a sum  not  exceeding  $1,500,  be  taken  up, 
which  was  carried,  and  the  13th  rule  having  been  first  sus- 
pended, the  said  resolution  was  adopted. 

September  16th,  1856 : 

The  President  announced  that  the  special  business  of  the 
evening  was  the  consideration  of  that  part  of  the  report  of 
the  committee  on  the  James  River  Improvement,  which  was 
laid  on  the  table  on  the  11th  day  of  August  last. 

Mr.  Saunders  presented  the  following  as  a minority  report 
of  that  committee  : 

To  the  City  Council: 

The  majority  of  the  committee  on  the  James  River  Im- 
provement having  recommended  to  the  Council  to  appropriate 
eight  hundred  dollars  per  month,  for  an  indefinite  time  to  open 
a channel  through  Rocketts  Bar,  of  sufficient  depth  to  admit 
large  class  vessels  into  the  port  of  Richmond,  without  stating 
in  said  resolution  what  is  to  be  the  extent  of  the  cost,  and 
having  reported  a statement  from  the  City  Engineer  of  the 
probable  cost  of  the  work  to  be  between  twenty-five  and  thirty 
thousand  dollars,  which  statement  is  in  direct  contradiction 
of  a former  statement  made  by  the  same  chairman  of  the  pre- 
sent committee,  I feel  it  to  be  my  duty,  as  one  of  the  said 
committee  differing  from  the  majority  of  that  committee  in 
opinion  as  to  the  policy  at  present,  in  the  existing  state  of 
the  financial  condition  of  the  city,  of  recommending  such  an 
appropriation,  to  do,  what  I am  not  often  under  the  necessity 
of  doing,  of  offering  this  minority  report. 

Mr.  Thomas  W.  McCance,  chairman  of  the  committee  on 


123 


the  James  River  Improvement,  made  a report  to  the  Council 
on  the  12th  day  of  November,  1855,  in  which  he  stated,  that 
it  was  confidently  believed  that  the  judicious  outlay  of  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars  would  secure  at  least  eighteen  feet 
depth  of  water  from  Hampton  Roads  to  this  city.  The  plan 
of  operations,  as  recommended  then,  was  to  open  a channel 
through  the  bed  of  granite  fifty  feet  wide,  and  deep  enough 
to  secure  eighteen  feet  depth  of  water  at  full  tide — the  same 
as  is  now  recommended  in  the  present  report  Then  it  would 
cost  by  a judicious  outlay,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  ; 
now,  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  thousand  for  the  same  work, 
on  the  same  plan  of  operations. 

Capt.  Stansbury,  at  the  date  of  his  report  in  1836,  estima- 
ted the  expense  of  removing  all  obstructions  between  Rich- 
mond and  Harrison’s  Bar  at  $103,400.  The  Committee  on 
the  Jaines  River  Improvement,  in  their  memorial  to  Congress, 
state  that  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  is  necessary  to  se- 
cure a depth  of  eighteen  feet  of  wTater  from  Hampton  Roads 
to  this  city.  That  sum  they  state,  added  to  the  appropria- 
tions already  made,  would  make  the  whole  cost  amount  to 
$139,500  to  procure  eighteen  feet  depth  of  water.  Let  the 
Council  adopt  the  resolution  reported  by  the  committee  ap- 
propriating eight  hundred  dollars  per  month,  and  I verily 
believe  that  before  the  work  is  completed,  if  it  is  carried  on 
to  completion,  that  it  will  cost  the  city  from  seventy-five  to 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Is  there  a member  of  the 
council  prepared  to  vote  to  appropriate  that  amount  in  the 
present  embarrassed  condition  of  the  finances  of  the  city  ? 
The  past  year,  the  council  was  compelled  to  assess  an  addi- 
tional tax  of  thirty  per  cent.,  to  save  the  credit  of  the  city, 
and  this  year,  with  that  addition  of  thirty  per  cent.,  we  have 
been  compelled  to  ask  of  the  banks  the  privilege  of  over- 
checking to  save  the  city’s  credit.  What  has  stopped  im- 


124 


provements  in  the  city,  and  thereby  thrown  many  industrious, 
honest  mechanics  out  of  employment  ? The  high  taxes  have 
done  it.  Make  this  large  appropriation  asked  for,  together 
with  some  that  have  already  been  made,  during  the  present 
council,  and  others  that  wre  are  compelled  to  make,  and  we  will 
be  under  the  necessity  of  raising  the  taxes  next  year,  in  lieu 
of  reducing  them  as  has  been  contemplated  ; for,  of  necessity, 
heavy  taxation  must  follow  large  appropriations. 

In  view  of  the  above  facts  set  forth  in  this  hastily  written 
report,  and  many  others  that  I could  and  would  adduce  if  I 
had  the  time,  I most  respectfully  but  earnestly  recommend 
the  council  to  adopt  the  following  resolutions  : 

1st.  Resolved,  That  the  council  of  the  city  of  Richmond 
are  firmly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  opening  the  navi- 
gation of  James  river,  so  as  to  admit  of  large  class  vessels  into 
the  port  of  Richmond. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  if  an  appropriation  is  not  made  by  the 
General  Government  for  the  above  object,  the  city  council 
should  do  it,  so  soon  as  the  financial  condition  of  the  city  will 
justify  it. 

All  of  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted. 

DAVID  J.  SAUNDERS, 

One  of  the  Com.  on  the  James  River  Improvement. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Gill,  the  City  Engineer,  was 
permitted  to  address  the  council  in  explanation  of  the  report 
of  the  committee. 

The  President  decided  that  the  paper  presented  by  Mr. 
Saunders  could  not  be  received  as  a minority  report,  but  only 
as  an  argument,  and  proceeded  to  take  the  vote  on  the  resolu- 
tions presented  therewith. 

The  first  resolution  was  adc  ed  by  the  council. 

The  second  resolution  bein  ead,  Mr.  Robinson  offered  the 
following  as  a substitute  thei  or  : 


125 


u Resolved,  That  $4,800,  payable  in  the  bonds  of  the  city, 
be  appropriated  for  the  desired  work,  and  that  the  said  bonds 
shall  not  be  issued  for  an  amount  greater  than  $800  monthly, 
said  bonds  to  be  made  payable  in  not  less  than  five  years  from 
the  date  of  issue,  and  the  interest  thereon  to  be  paid  semi- 
annually  on  the  first  days  of  January  and  July  thereafter.” 

The  vote  being  taken,  this  substitute  of  Mr.  Robinson  was 
adopted. 

The  vote  was  then  taken  on  the  two  resolutions,  as  amended, 
and  the  same  were  adopted  by  the  council. 

Mr.  Gretter  moved  that  the  two  resolutions  just  adopted, 
be  substituted  in  the  report  of  the  committee  for  that  appro- 
priating $800  per  month,  and  the  vote  being  taken  thereon, 
this  motion  was  decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  that  the  report  of  the  committee  as 
amended,  be  adopted,  and  Mr.  Saunders  offered  the  paper 
first  presented  by  him,  as  a substitute  for  the  committee’s  re- 
port. The  vote  was  first  taken  on  the  proposed  substitute, 
which  was  rejected,  and  then  upon  Mr.  Scott’s  motion: 
Whereupon 

The  report  of  the  committee  as  amended  was  adopted  by 
the  council. 

From  the  Council  Journals. 

E.  C.  HOWARD, 

City  Cleric. 


126 


REPORT 

Of  Committee  on  Improvement  of  James  River- 


To  the  Honorable  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 

Gentlemen — The  question  of  the  evils  affecting  the  navi- 
gation of  the  James  river  to  Richmond,  in  consequence  of  the 
very  limited  draught  of  water  at  certain  leading  points,  has 
been  one  that  has  engaged  the  attention  not  only  of  the  Coun- 
cils and  citizens  of  Richmond,  but  of  the  State  as  well  as  the 
United  States  government,  at  various  times  during  the  last 
forty  years. 

By  reference,  we  find  that  as  early  as  1826,  under  direc- 
tion of  the  State,  the  river  was  surveyed  by  Colonel  Crozet. 
What  action  was  taken  as  the  result  of  this  survey  we  are  not 
advised,  but  we  find  that  in  1836  another  survey  was  made  by 
Captain  Stansbury,  under  the  direction  of  the  United  States 
government,  and  again  by  the  Coast  Survey  in  1852. 

In  the  last  named  year  the  Government  made  an  appropria- 
tion of  $45,000  for  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of  the 
James  and  Appomattox  rivers.  One-half  of  this  amount  (say 
$22,500)  was  expended  for  the  benefit  of  the  James,  under  the 
direction  of  Colonel  De  Russy,  on  behalf  of  the  Government, 
together  with  a special  committee  of  the  Council  in  the  inte- 
rest of  the  city. 

This  expenditure  proved  of  very  considerable  advantage,  as 
it  resulted  in  giving  thirteen  feet  of  water  up  into  the  harbor, 
where  before  there  was  only  ten  and  a half  feet.  But,  of 
course,  the  amount  of  money  fell  far  short  of  the  requirement. 

The  practicability  of  establishing  eighteen  feet  of  water 
from  Hampton  Roads  to  the  wharves  at  Richmond,  is  a ques- 
tion -nhich  we  think  few  will  dispute  at  the  present  day  ; and 
your  committee  are  fully  of  the  opinion  that  this  once  accom- 


127 


plished,  it  might  almost  be  termed  permanent,  as  with  a very 
slight  yearly  expenditure,  in  comparison  with  its  advantages, 
the  same  depth  of  water  may  be  maintained. 

This  fact  has  been  clearly  demonstrated  by  examinations 
made  at  long  intervals  in  former  years,  after  the  several  ef- 
forts at  improvement. 

The  time  is  not  very  distant,  in  fact  we  may  say  it  is  at 
hand,  when  this  will  be  a matter  of  vital  importance  to  the 
commerce  of  our  city.  In  a very  short  time,  at  most,  the  in- 
exhaustible supply  of  mineral  wealth  of  the  western  portions 
of  our  State  will  begin  to  pour  down  upon  us,  and  the  great 
producing  States,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Illinois,  Mis- 
souri, Iowa,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Dacotah,  Montana,  Minne- 
sota and  Wisconsin,  will  take  advantage  of  “ The  Central 
Route  ” to  the  seaboard. 

Richmond  has  cause  to  congratulate  herself  that  the  com- 
pletion of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  railroad  is  no  longer  a 
thing  to  be  looked  forward  to  at  some  distant  day,  for  already 
we  hear  the  busy  tramp  of  workmen  kui'rying  to  the  scene  of 
labor.  The  leading  capitalists  of  our  country,  with  their  ac- 
customed keen  perception,  have  discovered  to  their  satisfaction 
that  from  the  great  West  via  Richmond  is  the  shortest  and 
most  practicable  route  at  all  seasons  of  the  year  by  which  the 
immense  tonnage  of  that  region  of  country  may  be  speedily 
conveyed  to  market. 

When  we  remember  that  the  items  of  coal  and  iron  alone 
will  amount  to  countless  thousands  of  tons,  surely  is  it  not 
time  that  our  people  were  aroused  to  this  all  important  ques- 
tion of  our  navigation  ? 

While  it  becomes  necessary  in  this  country  and  other  parts 
of  the  world  to  spend  vast  sums  of  money  in  building  canals, 
here  we  have  a natural  canal  (if  we  may  so  term  it)  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  miles  in  length,  which,  at  comparatively 


128 


small  expense,  we  can  place  in  condition  to  float  vessels  draw- 
ing 18  feet  of  water  ; and  it  is  the  firm  conviction  of  your 
committee  that  its  accomplishment  is  not  second  in  importance 
to  the  completion  of  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Canal  and 
the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  railroad. 

Sure  it  is  not  to  the  interest  of  this  city  to  see  these  vast 
freights  passing  by  us  in  sealed  cars,  seeking  shipping  at 
some  distant  point  upon  our  river,  only  because  we  cannot 
offer  deep  water  transportation  at  our  wharves,  while  all  will 
admit  that  the  sooner  these  freights  can  be  placed  in  vessels 
and  the  railroads  relieved  of  them  the  less  will  be  the  cost  of 
transportation  between  the  shipping  points  and  the  termini. 

Whilst  we  admit  that  this  should,  and  must,  become  one  of 
the  most  important  manufacturing  centres  in  consequence  of 
the  great  advantages  it  enjoys  from  its  unsurpassed  water 
power,  yet  we  are  unwilling  to  conclude  that  we  should  not 
maintain  our  position  as  a seaport  town. 

The  two  great  routes  from  the  West,  as  also  the  central 
route  from  Atlanta  via  Greensboro’  and  Danville,  will  be 
truly  great  when  completed,  and  will  prove  of  incalculable 
benefit  to  the  State.  But  how  much  more  beneficial  to  our 
city  would  it  be,  should  that  vast  tonnage  break  bulk  here  and 
be  distributed  at  this  point  into  the  shipping,  ready  to  convey 
it  to  any  portion  of  this  country  or  Europe  ? 

We  repeat,  there  is  no  good  reason  why  Richmond  should 
not  afford  facilities  to  the  largest  class  of  merchant  vessels  to 
her  port,  and  thus  derive  all  the  great  benefits  to  follow  there- 
from. 

The  item  of  lighterage  alone  paid  by  our  merchants,  has 
been  one  of  very  considerable  moment,  but  on  that  we  will  not 
dwell  at  this  time. 

Your  committee  took  charge  of  the  dredging  machine  and 
tug  about  ten  months  ago,  and  regret  to  say  we  found  them 


120 


in  very  bad  condition,  having  been  worked  down  without  re- 
ceiving proper  repairs.  We  found  it  necessary  to  give  them 
a general  overhauling  before  it  was  proper  to  proceed  with 
the  work. 

After  having  done  all  that  we  could  upon  a limited  expen- 
diture, we  placed  Captain  Cunningham  in  charge,  and  have 
been  working  steadily  ever  since  without  intermission.  We 
have  cut  a channel  on  the  Warwick  Bar  75  feet  wide  and  500 
yards  long,  with  a clear  depth  at  high  water  of  about  sixteen 
feet.  To  accomplish  this  we  had  to  remove  17,358  cubic 
yards  cf  sand. 

We  removed  from  and  near  the  channel  contiguous  to  the 
brewery,  twenty-three  large  rocks,  measuring  about  100  cubic 
yards,  also  twenty-four  lighter  loads  of  small  rock  and  gravel, 
about  560  cubic  yards  ; one  covered  lighter,  thirty-six  feet 
long,  filled  with  sand,  which  was  lying  on  the  bottom  directly 
in  the  channel.  We  also  found  an  anchor  weighing  about 
600  pounds,  with  fifteen  fathoms  of  chain,  one  blade  of  a 
screw  wheel,  weighing  400  pounds,  lying  alongside  of  a large 
rock,  where  some  steamer  had  evidently  struck  and  broken  it 
off. 

The  result  of  our  labors  at  this  particular  point,  is  the  at- 
tainment of  thirteen  feet  of  water  instead  of  eleven,  as  then 
existed,  and  this  will  not  fill  up  again. 

We  have  removed  from  the  shoal  grounds,  opposite  the  coal 
yard,  ten  very  large  rocks.  Also,  three  large  rocks  from  the 
channel  just  below  where  the  wreck  of  the  West  Point  laid. 

These  rocks  all  vary  in  size  and  shape  ; some  are  nearly 
square,  others  are  somewhat  round,  while  many  are  very 
ragged,  sharp-pointed  and  dangerous  to  navigation.  The  sizes 
vary  from  eight  feet  long  by  six  and  a half  feet  wide  and  four 
feet  deep,  to  four  by  three  by  two  feet.  Altogether  we  have 
removed  over  1,200  tons  of  rock  from  the  points  as  stated. 

17 


130 


Your  comm'ttee  determined  to  take  advantage  of  the  usual 
low  stage  of  the  water  in  midsummer,  to  make  an  attempt  to 
remove  the  wreck  of  the  steamer  West  Point,  which  was  sunk 
in  the  middle  of  the  harbor  in  a fresh  during  during  the  win- 
ter of  1863. 

This,  as  your  honorable  body  are  doubtless  aware,  was  no 
small  undertaking,  especially  as  our  predecessors  had  reported 
to  the  council  in  the  month  of  September,  1867,  that  it  would 
require  an  appropriation  of  $5,000  to  remove  it.  However, 
in  the  face  of  prediction  of  failure  and  heavy  cost,  we  went  to 
work.  We  first  secured  the  services  of  Professor  Mallifert, 
of  New  York,  who  was  then  and  is  still  engaged  in  clearing 
out  the  passage  through  the  solid  rock  at  Hell  Gate,  near  that 
city.  With  his  valuable  assistance  we  broke  the  wreck  into 
several  sections,  by  the  use  of  heavy  charges  of  powder  con- 
fined in  cans  and  placed  in  the  most  available  places.  Then, 
with  the  dredge  and  addition  of  heavy  chains,  piece  by  piece, 
raised  the  entire  wreck  and  placed  it  on  the  main  land.  In 
twenty-seven  working  days  from  the  time  we  commenced,  there 
was  not  a resume  of  the  wreck  remaining  where  it  had  laid  so 
long,  not  only  a serious  obstruction  to  navigation,  but  the 
cause  of  a bar  or  delta  forming  in  the  middle  of  the  river,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  very  great  influence  it  exerted  in  causing 
the  bars  lower  down  the  river  to  fill  up  more  rapidly  than  they 
otherwise  would  have  done,  in  consequence  of  its  having  proved 
a break-water  to  the  current  in  the  centre  of  the  river. 

It  gives  us  great  pleasure  to  report  further  that  we 
realize  sufficient  from  material  saved  to  fully  cover  the  ex- 
pense of  removal,  and  that  the  wreck  of  the  West  Point  was 
entirely  removed  in  less  than  one  month  without  an  expense 
of  one  dollar  to  the  city,  and  where  she  laid,  with  a sand-bank 
heaped  about  her  to  the  level  of  the  water,  vessels  drawing 
thirteen  feet  can  now  pass  over  in  safety.  We  would  mention 


at  this  particular  point,  after  raising  the  wreck,  we  removed 
2,723  cubic  yards  of  sand. 

We  have  had  in  employ  aboard  the  dredge  an  experienced 
diver,  who  has  facilitated  our  work  to  a considerable  degree. 
In  fact,  in  many  instances  he  was  indispensable,  as  we  were 
compelled  to  use  him  in  slinging  large  rock  with  chains  at  the 
bottom  of  the  river  preparatory  to  raising  them,  or  in  drilling 
holes  in  them  in  which  to  place  a bolt  to  secure  a purchase. 

To  give  an  idea  of  the  size  of  some  of  these  rocks  we 
would  state  that  in  some  instances,  in  consequence  of  their 
size^  we  were  unable  to  raise  them  above  the  surface  of  the 
water,  when  we  had  to  tow  the  machine  in  to  shore,  where 
they  were  deposited,  and  can  now  be  seen  at  any  low  tide. 

The  greater  portion  of  them  bear  evident  marks  of  having 
been  struck  by  vessels  passing  up  and  down  the  channel,  be- 
sides there  being  plain  marks  across  the  top  of  them.  We 
have  found  many  pieces  of  copper,  just  as  they  were  torn 
from  the  bottoms  of  vessels,  formed  into  line  plaits. 

In  addition  to  the  work  named,  we  have  done  a large 
amount  of  general  dredging. 

The  machine  and  tug  are  now  both  in  far  better  condition 
than  when  we  took  charge  of  them,  and  in  the  machinery 
department  are  supplied  with  many  duplicates  ; so  that  there 
may  be  no  loss  of  time  in  consequence  of  unexpected 
breakage. 

We  have  established  a blacksmith  shop  aboard,  with  a man 
in  charge,  whereby  a large  portion  of  the  necessary  repairs 
are  done  with  but  small  expense,  and,  in  fact,  many  delays 
and  breakages  anticipated.  It  will  be  necessary  soon  to  re- 
pair the  dumping  lighters,  which  we  have  deferred  as  long  as 
possible  to  avoid  expense.  This,  however,  will  not  be  a mat- 
ter of  very  great  moment. 

The  dredge  will,  before  long,  require  some  repairs  about 


132 


her  hull,  as  she  leaks  some  little,  and  some  portions  are  de- 
cayed. The  machinery  is  in  good  working  order.  The  tug, 
also,  is  in  good  running  condition.  Before  closing  this  por- 
tion of  our  report,  your  committee  regard  that  especial  men- 
tion should  be  made  of  Captain  Cunningham,  who  has  been 
in  chief  command  of  the  working  of  both  dredge  and  tug. 
and  of  Mr.  Clark  Scull,  chief  engineer  of  the  dredge,  as  well 
as  those  under  their  immediate  charge,  for  the  manner  in 
which  one  and  all  have  performed  all  the  duties  required  of 
them,  though  they  have  very  frequently  been  detained,  to 
accomplish  important  work,  considerably  over  the  usual  hours 
prescribed  by  the  committee  as  a day’s  work.  Yet  there  has 
never  been  the  slightest  complaint,  but  all  have  joined  in  with 
a good  will  to  accomplish  the  task  before  them.  It  affords  us 
pleasure  to  thus  publicly  commend  them,  and  we  deem  that 
we  are  doing  each  and  all  of  them  but  simple  justice  in  so 
doing. 

In  conclusion  we  beg  leave  again  to  draw  the  attention  of 
the  council,  and  of  the  citizens  generally,  to  the  former  por- 
tion of  our  report,  and  desire  to  make  some  further  remarks 
in  regard  to  the  present  condition  of  our  river  with  reference 
to  the  General  Government. 

As  it  is  well  known,  before  we  can  accomplish  the  great 
end  at  which  we  aim,  viz.:  a depth  of  18  feet  of  water  to 
Richmond,  we  have  many  very  serious  obstacles  to  encounter. 
These,  as  your  honorable  body  are  well  aware,  consist  largely 
of  the  wrecks  sunk  in  the  river  from  Richmond  to  Trent’s 
Reach,  by  both  the  Federal  and  Confederate  armies,  during 
the  late  war. 

First.  There  are  wrecks  r cl  stone  piers  just  below  Mar. 
wick’s  bar. 

Second.  At  Drewry’s  B-  F,  the  wrecks  of  the  schooner 
Wythe,  steamers  Jamestowi  Curtis  Peck  and  Northampton, 
a small  propeller,  and  a stone  crib.  Besides  these  there  is 


138 


an  old  Confederate  ram,  •which  we  believe  government  con- 
tractors are  now  working  at,  which  has  been  hauled  in  near 
shore. 

Third.  Wreck  of  a gunboat  off  Chaffin’s  Bluff. 

Fourth.  Wreck  of  schooner  Gallego  in  Grave  Yard  Reach, 
which  is  in  a position  very  dangerous  to  navigation.  And, 
two  pilot-boats  and  a schooner. 

Fifth.  At  Trent’s  Reach  some  Federal  obstructions. 

To  remove  all  of  these  artificial  obstructions,  together  with 
deepening  the  channel  at  the  points  as  indicated,  will  require 
a very  considerable  amount  of  money,  but  after  a most  care- 
ful examination,  your  committee  are  of  the  opinion  that,  with 
what  assistance  we  could  obtain  from  the  city,  the  sum  of 
$200,000  would  complete  the  entire  work  if  judiciously  ap- 
plied ; and  as  Congress  has  heretofore  made  large  appropria- 
tions for  such  improvements  in  other  States,  we  feel  that  none 
could  have  stronger  claims  than  Old  Virginia  in  her  present 
impoverished  condition. 

We  would,  therefore,  recommend  that  a special  committee 
be  appointed  to  memorialize  Congress,  and  to  take  such 
further  action  as  they  may  deem  necessary  to  secure,  if  pos- 
sible, an  appropriation,  to  the  extent  as  named,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  removing  all  obstructions  from  the  river  and  deepen- 
ing the  main  channel  to  eighteen  feet. 

We  would  further  recommend  that  the  council  do  appro- 
priate $10,000  to  meet  the  current  expenses  of  working  the 
dredge  during  the  fiscal  year  of  1870. 

All  of  which  we  respectfully  submit. 

W.  C.  DUNHAM,  Chairman. 


134 


MEMORIAL. 


To  the  Honorable  Senate  and 

House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  : 

Seldom  in  the  history  of  our  government  has  the  voice  of 
Virginia,  or  of  any  portion  of  her  people,  been  heard  in  the 
halls  of  congress  asking  appropriations  for  the  advancement 
of  her  internal  improvements. 

But  your  memorialists  feel  so  well  satisfied  of  the  justice 
of  the  cause  which  they  have  the  honor  to  represent,  not  onlv 
in  view  of  its  importance  to  Richmond  and  Virginia,  but  as 
a great  national  work,  that  they  appear  before  you  with 
confidence,  believing  the  efforts  put  forth  in  this  instance  will 
meet  with  their  proper  reward. 

Since  the  war  the  citizens  of  Richmond  have  had  much 
cause  for  discouragement.  Crops  have  failed  when  most 
they  were  needed,  and  the  people  have  been  unable  to  offer 
any  very  great  inducements  to  capitalists  to  come  among 
them — the  great  work  of  re-organization  in  every  depart- 
ment being  necessary,  owing  to  their  very  anomalous  condi- 
tion. 

When  we  reflect  upon  the  status  of  affairs  in  Richmond 
four  years  ago,  truly  we  can  see  that  wonderful  have  been 
the  accomplishments. 

The  business  portion  of  the  city  has  been  re-built — com- 
merce is  returning  again  to  its  accustomed  channels,  and  her 
people  are  now  beginning  to  feel  buoyant,  and  hopeful  of  a 
far  brighter  future  in  store  for  them. 

The  question  at  this  time  which  most  engages  the  atten- 
tion of  the  commercial  community  of  Richmond,  is  the  navi- 
gation of  the  James  River.] 


135 


This  has  been  very  materially  interrupted  by  obstructions 
which  were  placed  in  the  channel  at  various  points,  during 
the  late  war,  by  the  two  contending  armies.  They  consist 
principally,  as  follows : 

First.  There  are  wrecks  and  stone  piers  just  below  War- 
wick’s bar. 

Second.  At  Drewry’s  Bluff  the  wrecks  of  the  schooner 
Wythe,  steamers  Jamestown,  Curtis  Peck  and  Northampton, 
a small  propeller  and  a stone  crib  ; besides,  there  is  an  old 
gunboat  which  we  believe  government  contractors  are  work- 
ing at,  which  has  been  hauled  in  near  shore. 

Third.  Wreck  of  a gunboat  off  Chaffin’s  Bluff. 

Fourth.  Wreck  of  schooner  Gallego  in  Graveyard  Reach, 
which  is  in  a position  very  dangerous  to  navigation — also  two 
pilot  boats  and  a schooner. 

Fifth.  At  Trent’s  Reach  some  more  Federal  obstructions. 

The  time  is  at  hand  when  it  will  be  necessary  that  vessels 
drawing  eighteen  (18)  feet  of  water  may  be  enabled  to  come 
to  the  wharves  at  Richmond. 

The  leading  capitalists  of  our  country,  with  their  accus- 
tomed keen  perception,  have  discovered,  to  their  satisfaction, 
that  from  the  great  West,  via  Richmond,  is  the  shortest  and 
most  practicable  route  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  by  which 
the  immense  tonnage  of  that  section  of  the  country  may  be 
speedily  conveyed  to  market. 

The  completion  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad  is  no 
longer  a result  to  be  looked  forward  to  in  the  uncertain  fu- 
ture, for  already  contractors  are  at  work  and  laborers  are 
hastening  to  the  scene  of  action. 

This  road,  when  completed,  will  connect  the  Atlantic 
Coast  and  the  magnificient  harbors  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay 
with  the  Ohio  River,  and  thus,  with  the  entire  railroad  sys- 
tem and  water  transportation  of  the  great  West — -thereby 


affording  a trunk  line  so  much  needed  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  immense  transportation  between  the  Atlantic  Seaboard 
and  Europe  on  the  one  hand  and  the  great  producing  regions 
of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Valleys  on  the  other.  As  the 
completion  of  this  road  is  conceded  to  he  of  national  benefit, 
so,  as  a sequence,  we  claim  the  re-opening  and  deepening  of 
the  channel  of  James  River. 

In  1826,  the  river  was  surveyed  by  Col.  Crozet — and  in 
1863,  by  Capt.  Stansbury,  under  direction  of  the  United 
States  Government — also  by  the  coast  survey  in  1852,  In 
the  last  named  year  the  Government  made  an  appropriation 
of  twenty-two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  ($22,500) 
which  was  expended  under  the  direction  of  Col.  DeRussy, 
and  proved  of  very  considerable  advantage,  as  it  resulted  in 
giving  13  feet  of  water,  up  into  the  harbor,  where  before 
there  was  only  ten  and  a half  (101)  feet. 

The  practicability  of  establishing  eighteen  (18)  feet  of 
water  from  Hampton  Roads  to  Richmond  is  a question  which 
we  think  few  will  dispute  at  the  present  day,  and  your  me- 
morialists are  fully  of  the  opinion,  that  this  once  accom- 
plished, it  might  almost  be  termed  permanent,  as  with  a very 
slight  yearly  expenditure,  in  comparison  with  its  advantages, 
the  same  depth  of  water  may  be  maintained. 

While  it  becomes  necessary  in  this  country  and  other  parts 
of  the  world  to  spend  vast  sums  of  money  in  building 
canals — here  is  a natural  canal  (if  it  may  be  so  called)  one 
hundred  and  twenty  (120)  miles  in  length,  which,  at  a com- 
paratively small  expense,  can  be  placed  in  condition  to  float 
vessels  drawing  eighteen  (18)  feet  of  water,  and  it  is  the  firm 
conviction  of  your  memorialists  that  its  accomplishment  is 
not  second  in  importance  to  the  completion  of  the  James 
River  and  Kanawha  Canal,  or  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road, for  all  will  admit  that  the  sooner  freights  can  be  placed 


in  vessels  and  the  Railroads  relieved  of  them,  the  less  will  be 
the  cost  of  transportation  between  the  shipping  points  and 
the  termini. 

While  it  will  be  admitted  that  Richmond  must  and  will  be- 
come one  of  the  most  important  manufacturing  centres,  in 
consequence  of  the  great  advantages  it  enjoys  from  its  unsur- 
passed water  power,  yet  her  people  are  unwilling  to  concede 
that  their  claims  as  a seaport  town  should  not  be  maintained. 
Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  occupy  the  same  relative  position 
to  the  sea,  and  surely,  when  it  is  remembered  that  just  prior 
to  the  war  there  was,  besides  steamship  lines  regularly  plying 
from  Baltimore,  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  twenty-three 
(23)  or  more  capacious  schooners,  of  elegant  construction,  to 
the  latter  city,  and  thirteen  (13)  clipper-built  ships  and  brigs 
steadily  employed  in  the  trade  with  Rio,  there  can  scarce  be 
much  said  against  her  claims  in  this  particular. 

For  the  ten  years  preceding  the  war  there  was  inspected 
at  Richmond  alone,  five  million  six  hundred  and  eighteen 
thousand  (5,618,000)  barrels  of  flour,  and  the  most  of  it  was 
shipped  from  James  River  ; besides  this,  the  product  of  the 
State  in  tobacco,  ranges  from  fifty  to  sixty  thousand  hhds. 
per  annum — a large  proportion  of  wrhich  is  shipped  from  the 
port  of  Richmond. 

The  harbor  master  reports  the  arrival  of  steamers  at  Rich- 
mond from  January  1st,  1869,  to  January  1st,  1870,  five  hun- 
dred and  twenty,  with  a combined  tonnage  of  375,336. 

Sailing  vessels — of  all  classes — five  hundred  and  fifty-four, 
with  a tonnage  of  76,250,  whole  amount  of  tonnage  for  the 
year,  460,188. 

From  the  report  of  internal  revenue  we  find  that  there  wms 
paid  into  the  Richmond  office,  as  tax  upon  manufactured  to- 
bacco alone,  during  the  year  1869,  the  sum  of  one  million 
18 


138 


five  hundred  and  forty-seven  thousand  and  sixty-four  wo  dol- 
lars ($1,517,-064  38). 

When  these  facts  are  all  taken  into  consideration,  surely  it 
would  appear  that  the  citizens  of  Richmond  are  not  asking 
too  much  of  the  general  government  when  they  make  this 
appeal  in  behalf  of  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of 
their  river. 

Richmond  has  been  struggling  hard  to  regain  her  former 
prosperity,  and  has  been  using  her  best  efforts  to  restore  the 
navigation  of  the  James  river  to  a condition  that  would  ren- 
der it  perfectly  safe  for  shipping  to  come  to  her  port. 

Notwithstanding  her  impoverished  condition,  during  the 
years  1866  ’67,  ’68  and  ’69,  she  expended  sixty-one  thou- 
sand five  hundred  and  sixty  5,  dollars  (§61,560  81)  for  the 
purpose  as  stated,  and  is  still  working  with  what  means  she 
has  at  her  command.  But  Richmond  feels  that  she  has  a 
peculiar  claim  upon  the  government  for  aid  in  this  particular 
case. 

As  stated  in  a former  portion  of  this  memorial,  this  must 
be  regarged  as  a national  work. 

The  National  Board  of  Trade,  at  its  late  annual  meeting, 
resolved  that  congress  be  requested  to  make  an  appropriation 
for  this  improvement,  thereby  endorsing  the  views  as  herein 
set  forth. 

The  inexhaustible  supplies  of  coal  and  iron  which  are 
about  to  be  opened  up  in  the  western  portion  of  Virginia,  and 
in  West  Virginia,  will  require  a cheap  outlet  to  the  sea,  and 
the  great  producing  States — Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Illi- 
nois, Missouri,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Dacotah,  Montana, 
Minnesota  and  Wisconsin — will  take  advantage  of  “ the  cen- 
tral route  to  the  seaboard.” 

A volume  of  arguments  might  be  written,  and  innumera- 
ble  tables  of  figures  produced,  showing  the  advantages  that  a 


139 


very  large  portion  of  our  country,  as  well  as  Virginia,  would 
derive  from  the  clearing  out  of  the  James  river  ; but  the 
question  appears  to  your  memorialists  so  plain,  that  they  will 
not  consume  your  time  longer. 

After  a careful  examination  upon  the  part  of  a Special 
Committee  of  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond,  assisted 
by  the  judgment  of  those  well  versed  in  such  matters,  they 
feel  satisfied  that,  with  an  appropriation  of  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars  from  the  general  government,  together  with 
what  aid,  the  city  would  continue  to  render,  all  of  the  wrecks 
could  be  removed  from  the  river,  and  the  main  channel 
deepened  at  the  different  requisite  points  to  eighteen  (18) 
feet. 

In  behalf  of  the  council  and  citizens  of  Richmond,  and  by 
their  direction,  your  memorialists  do  most  respectfully  peti- 
tion the  congress  of  the  United  States  to  appropriate  the  sum 
of  two  hundred  thousand  (200,000)  dollars  for  the  purposes 
as  indicated,  at  as  early  a day  as  practicable. 

"While  some  of  the  other  States  have  received  large  appro- 
priations for  similar  improvements,  Virginia  has  received 
comparatively  nothing. 

Yet  none  could  appreciate  assistance  of  this  kind  more,  at 
the  present  time.  The  amount  asked  for  is  relatively  small. 

Your  memorialists  trust  that  the  citizens  of  Richmond  may 
soon  be  advised  that  congress  has  acted  favorably  upon  this 
their  petition. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

WM.  C.  DUNHAM, 

ALBERT  OB D WAY, 

B W.  GILL1S, 

FRANKLIN  STEARNS, 

THOS.  W.  McCANCE,  } Com’ttee. 
A.  S.  BUFORD, 

H.  COALTEtl  CABELL, 

CHAS.  S.  CARRINGTON, 

WMS.  C.  WICKHAM, 


140 


REPORT 

Of  the  Committee  on  Improvement  of  James  River. 

Richmond,  Va.,  June  21st,  1870. 

To  the  President  and  members  of  the 

Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 
Gentlemen — Your  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of 
James  river,  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  made  on  the 
part  of  the  special  committee  appointed  to  memorialize  Con- 
gress to  grant  the  aid  of  the  Federal  Government  in  said  im- 
provement, would  respectfully  report  that  they  have  given  the 
subject  that  consideration  which  its  importance  demands. 

Your  committee  have  been  long  convinced  of  the  vast  im- 
portance of  this  work  to  the  commercial  prosperity  of  the  city, 
and  we  earnestly  endorse  the  views  presented  by  our  own 
chairman  in  the  special  report  under  consideration.  We  are 
not  only  aware  ourselves  of  the  necessity  of  the  city  adopting, 
without  delay,  some  definite,  active  and  liberal  policy  in  this 
great  improvement,  but  we  believe  that  the  whole  city  is  now 
so  thoroughly  convinced  of  its  importance  that  we  deem  it  un- 
necessary to  repeat  here  the  arguments  already  made,  or  to 
consider  any  other  part  of  the  question  than  the  means  pro- 
per to  adopt  to  achieve  our  ends. 

During  the  past  five  years  this  committee  has  expended  on 
the  part  of  the  city  about  §60,000  in  improving  or  maintaining 
the  navigation  of  the  river.  A vast  amount  of  work  has  been 
done  and  great  good  accomplish  d,  as  was  most  clearly  shown 
by  the  last  annual  report  of  the  committee.  And  still  this 
work  has  effected  hut  little  mori  .han  maintain  the  navigation 

C 

of  the  river  open  and  in  proper  endition.  The  great  number 
of  wrecks  and  obstructions  belo  v the  city  have  so  clogged  the 


141 


river  and  changed  its  currents  and  deposits  that  it  has  re- 
quired all  the  means  at  our  disposal  simply  to  counteract  these 
evils  effects.  We  have  reason  to  hope  that  before  another 
year  has  passed,  the  Federal  Government  will  take  measures 
to  remove  or  grant  its  assistance  in  removing  all  these  wrecks 
and  obstructions.  But  in  addition  to  this  a vast  amount  of 
work  remains  that  we  mush  do  ourselves  ; nor  will  it  answer 
cur  purpose  to  delay  the  work  or  let  it  be  contingent  on  what 
we  hope  that  the  General  Government  will  do  in  the  matter. 
Too  vast  interests  are  at  stake,  too  great  enterprises  are 
awaiting  our  decision,  for  us  to  delay  longer. 

Without  entering  here  upon  the  merits  of  this  great  question 
we  make  our  recommendations,  based  on  the  supposition  that 
the  city  is  determined  to  act  in  the  matter  and  desires  only  to 
compass  the  necessary  means. 

The  rule  that  important  public  improvements  should  not  be 
paid  for  exclusively  by  the  tax-payers  of  the  day,  is  specially 
applicable  to  this  great  improvement.  We  recommend,  there- 
fore, that  the  necessary  means  be  raised  by  the  issue  of  bonds, 
as  the  providing  of  a proper  sinking  fund  for  their  payment, 
will  entail  the  cost  of  the  improvement  more  equally  on  those 
who  successively  arise  to  participate  in  its  beneiits.  If  these 
bonds  are  put  in  an  attractive  form  we  believe  that  they  can 
be  very  readily  negotiated.  The  financial  markets  of  the 
country  have  very  materially  changed  since  we  adopted  the 
regular  form  of  city  bond,  and  we  would  recommend  that  the 
bonds  for  this  purpose  be  made  special  bonds,  to  be  known  as 
James  River  Improvement  Bonds  of  the  city  of  Richmond; 
that  they  be  issued  in  the  form  of  coupon  bonds,  convertible 
at  the  option  of  the  holder  into  registered  bonds,  and  that 
they  be  dated  July  1,  1870,  payable  thirty-four  years  after 
date,  and  bear  interest  at  the  rate  of  eight  per  centum  per 
annum,  payable  semi-annually. 


142 


We  suggest  that  the  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of 
James  River  be  entrusted  with  the  power  and  authority  to 
negotiate  these  bonds  from  time  to  time,  in  such  amounts  as 
they  may  find  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work,  depositing  the 
proceeds  of  such  sales  in  the  city  treasury,  to  the  credit  of  the 
improvement. 

After  providing  the  necessary  means  to  carry  on  this  great 
work,  it  is  most  certainly  apparent  that  the  first  step  is  to  ma- 
ture some  proper  plan  for  its  execution.  It  is  impossible  that 
any  committee  of  the  council  could  have  the  knowledge  or 
ability  to  conceive  such  a plan,  or  the  time  to  devote  to  su- 
perintending the  execution  of  all  its  details.  It  would  seem 
most  proper  that  the  services  of  the  ablest  engineer  we  can 
command  should  be  obtained  and  he  placed  in  immediate 
charge  of  the  work,  and  that  the  committee  he  entrusted  with 
full  power  and  authority  to  supervise  his  work,  to  purchase 
all  materials,  dredges,  lighters,  boats,  or  whatever  they  may 
find  necessary  to  carry  out  the  work  entrusted  to  them. 

Without  entering  further  into  details,  which  it  is  somewhat 
premature  to  determine  now,  we  would  offer  for  your  conside- 
ration the  following  resolutions  : 

Whereas,  The  council  of  the  city  of  Richmond  being  tho- 
roughly convinced  that  the  vital  interests  and  commercial 
prosperity  of  the  city  depend  almost  solely  on  deepening  and 
improving  the  navigation  of  J ames  river,  and  believing  further, 
that  the  people  of  the  city  are  willing  and  eager  to  enter  upon 
this  great  enterprise ; be  it 

Resolved , That  we  hereby  announce  it  as  the  determination 
of  the  city  of  Richmond,  to  improve  the  navigation  of  the 
James  river  until  it  shall  have  a capacity  to  convey  whatever 
tonnage  the 'railroad  system  of  the  State  can  bring  to  the  Sea- 
board, and  that  we  hereby  invite  all  projected  systems  of  rail- 
roads seeking  a terminus  on  the  ocean,  to  make  that  terminus 


143 


here,  with  the  assurance  that  the  city  will  provide  not  only 
this  exit  for  their  freights,  but  grant  all  other  facilities  in 
their  power. 

Resolved , That  authority  is  hereby  given  for  the  issue  of 
the  bonds  of  the  city  to  the  amount  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  to  be  applied  to  the  improvement  of  James 
river.  Said  bonds  to  be  in  the  form  of  coupon  bonds,  converti- 
ble, at  the  option  of  the  holder,  into  registered  bonds,  to  be 
payable  in  thirty-four  years  after  date,  and  bear  interest  at  the 
rate  of  eight  per  centum  per  annum,  payable  semi-annually ; 
with  a further  provision  for  the  payment  of  one  per  centum 
to  a sinking  fund  to  meet  said  bonds  on  maturity. 

Resolved , That  said  bonds  shall  bear  uniform  date  July  1st, 
1870,  and  be  issued  by  the  City  Auditor,  from  time  to  time,  in 
such  amounts  as  the  Council  Committee  on  the  Improvement 
of  James  river  may  direct.  The  bonds  to  be  negotiated  by 
the  Finance  Committee,  and  the  proceeds  of  their  sale  de- 
posited in  the  city  treasury,  to  the  credit  of  the  James  river 
improvement. 

Resolved , That  the  Council  Committee  on  the  Improvement 
of  James  river  shall  have  the  authority  to  expend  the  sum 
thus  appropriated  in  such  manner  as  the  council  may  direct. 
Said  committee  shall  immediately  recommend  to  the  council  an 
able  Engineer,  who  shall  prepare  the  proper  plans  and  have 
immediate  charge  of  the  work,  under  authority  of  the  com- 
mittee. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

ALBERT  ORDWAY,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions  were  amended  as 
above,  and  adopted  on  the  27th  June,  1870. 

E.  C.  HOWARD,  City  Clerk. 


August  13th,  1870. 


144 


AN  ORDINANCE 

Concerning  the  Improvement  of  James  River. 

(Passed  August  1st,  1870.) 

“Be  it  ordained,  That  at  the  first  monthly  meeting  of  the 
council  which  shall  be  held  in  the  month  of  July  of  each  year, 
the  council  shall  proceed  to  elect  five  of  its  members,  and  these 
members  of  the  council,  with  five  citizens  of  Richmond  who 
are  not  members  of  the  council,  who  shall  be  certified  to  the 
President  of  the  Council  by  the  President  and  Secretary  of 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Richmond,  as  having  been 
elected  by  that  body  for  the  purpose,  shall  be  named  and  de- 
signated as  the  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of  James 
river. 

“2.  As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  formation  of  the  com- 
mittee^they  shall  elect  a chairman  from  among  their  own 
number. 

“ 3.  A majority  of  the  whole  number  shall  be  a quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  any  business  relating  to  their  duties. 

“4.  They  shall  have  charge  of  all  the  property  belonging 
to  and  of  all  the  funds  appropriated  for  the  improvement  of 
the  river ; they  shall  elect  an  Engineer,  and  assistants  if  ne- 
cessary, and  employ  all  persons  who  may  be  necessary  to  per- 
form the  operations,  but  no  such  appointments  shall  be  valid 
unless  approved  by  the  council. 

“ 5.  They  shall  meet  once  a month,  and  as  much  oftener  as 
may  be  necessary. 

“6.  The  committee  shall  make  a written  report  of  their 
operations  to  the  council  at  the  first  regular  meeting  held  in 
each  month,  and,  with  this  report,  shall  submit  an  estimate 
of  the  amount  of  money  which  will  be  required  for  their  use 
during  the  succeeding  month. 


145 


“ 7.  In  the  event  of  an  omission  on  the  part  of  the  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce  to  nominate  the  persons  named  in  the  first 
section  of  this  ordinance,  the  council  shall  elect  five  citizens 
who  are  not  members  of  the  council,  and  they  shall  remain  in 
office  until  the  next  annual  appointment. 

“ 8.  In  the  event  of  a vacancy  occurring  in  the  committee, 
the  committee  shall  fill  the  vacancy  with  a member  of  the 
council  or  a citizen  not  a member  of  the  council,  as  may  be 
necessary  to  preserve  the  number  of  each  statedin  the  first 
section. 

“9.  All  ordinances  and  resolutions,  and  portions  of  such, 
as  are  in  conflict  with  this  ordinance,  are  hereby  repealed.” 

The  foregoing  is  a true  copy  from  the  original  ordinance. 

E.  C.  HOWARD,  City  Clerk 


146 


IMPROVEMENT  OF  JAMES  RIVER. 


The  Joint  Committee  on  James  river  made  the  following 
report : 

^ Richmond,  Va.,  Sept.  5th,  1870. 

To  the  Council  of  the  city  of  Richmond : 

Gentlemen — The  Joint  Committee  on  the  improvement  of 
James  river,  would  respectfully  submit  the  following  report 
of  operations  during  the  past  month: 

The  committee  met  on  the  10th  of  August  and  organized, 
and  since  that  time  has  been  engaged  in  considering  and  pro- 
jecting plans  for  the  work  entrusted  to  them. 

We  found,  on  assuming  charge,  that  the  tug,  dredge  boat 
and  scows  belonging  to  the  city  were  undergoing  needed  and 
extensive  repairs,  and  therefore  no  actual  work  has  yet  been 
done  by  us  in  the  river. 

These  repairs,  we  hope  to  complete  duiing  this  month,  and 
will  then  begin  to  carry  into  effect  the  plans  we  have  deter- 
mined on.  Our  first  care  after  assuming  charge,  was  to  com- 
municate with  Col.  Win.  P.  Craighill,  of  the  U.  S.  Engi- 
neers, who  had  been  detailed  to  survey  the  river  and  report 
an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  its  improvement,  and  to  expend  the 
appropriation  of  §50,000  made  by  the  General  Government. 
The  result  of  our  consultation  with  him  is  that  the  following 
general  plan  of  operation  has  been  determined  on. 

Col.  Craighill  will  devote  the  present  appropriation  of  the 
Government  exclusively  to  the  removal  of  the  artificial  ob- 
structions in  the  river,  while  we,  on  the  part  of  the  city,  will 
devote  our  efforts,  for  the  present,  to  dredging  the  channel 
from  Warwick’s  Bar  to  the  city,  to  a depth  of  fifteen  feet. 

The  reason  of  this  determination,  is  that  we  can  now  bring 
to  Warwick’s  bar  a depth  of  nearly  fifteen  feet,  but  from  that 


147 


point  to  the  city  only  eleven  and  a half  to  twelve  feet.  We 
estimate  that  it  will  require  about  two  years  to  complete  the 
the  two  portions  of  the  work  indicated,  and  we  shall  then  have 
an  unobstructed  channel  to  the  city  of  fifteen  feet.  The  pre- 
liminai-y  surveys  already  made,  indicate  that  there  will  be  but 
few  obstacles  after  gaining  this  point,  to  increase  the  depth  to 
eighteen  feet ; and  with  proper  efforts  on  our  own  part,  we 
may  hope  for  further  and  liberal  assistance  from  the  General 
Government.  To  carry  out  our  portion  of  the  work,  first  in- 
dicated for  the  city  to  assume,  we  deem  it  best  to  purchase  an 
additional  dredge  boat  and  scows,  with  the  necessary  machinery 
for  taking  the  material  dredged  out  of  the  river,  instead  of  the 
pernicious  practice  heretofore  followed  of  depositing  it  in  the 
river,  to  be  again  washed  on  the  bars.  Our  heaviest  expendi- 
ture will  be  for  procuring  this  additional  apparatus,  and  we 
estimate  that  thus  being  completely  equipped,  the  annual  ex- 
penditure for  the  city  will  not  exceed  $30,000  until  the  whole 
work  is  completed. 

In  accordance  with  the  ordinance,  we  would  respectfully  re- 
port that  during  this  month,  we  shall  not  require  any  more 
funds  than  now  stand  to  our  credit,  but  that  to  procure  the 
additional  apparatus  and  carry  on  the  work  for  the  balance  of 
this  year,  we  would  probably  require  about  $40,000.  We 
would  therefore  ask  that  the  City  Auditor  be  directed  to  issue 
$50,000  of  the  James  River  Improvement  Bonds,  and  that 
the  same  be  placed  in  our  hands  for  negotiation,  or  that  the 
Finance  Committee  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  negotiating 
them,  and  placing  the  proceeds  to  our  credit,  as  you  may  see 
fit  to  determine. 

We  would  further  report  that  we  have  appointed  Capt.  R. 
D.  Minor  as  Engineer,  to  take  charge  of  our  work,  and  we 
would  respectfully  ask  your  approval  of  the  appointment,  be- 
lieving him  to  be  most  eminently  qualified  for  the  position. 


148 


We  would  further  report  the  following  resolution,  adopted 
by  the  committee,  and  ask  your  action  in  the  matter : 

Resolved , That  the  City  Council  be  respectfully  requested 
to  adopt  an  ordinance  imposing  a penalty  upon  any  person 
who  shall  deposit  any  matter  in  the  river  which  is  calculated 
to  fill  up  the  bed  of  the  same,  with  an  imposition  of  reasonable 
fines  for  such  offence — one-half  of  such  fines  to  be  paid  to  the 
informer. 

We  would  also  report  that  we  have  appointed  of  our  num- 
ber an  Executive  Committee  of  three,  charged  with  the  duty 
of  attending  to  the  details  of  the  work,  and  a Special  Commit- 
tee to  investigate  and  attend  to  the  purchase  of  the  dredge- 
boat  and  machinery  proposed.  Our  work  may  therefore  be 
regarded  as  in  fair  progress  of  organization,  and  it  will  be  our 
earnest  endeavor  to  carry  it  out  faithfully,  and  meet  the  san- 
guine expectations  entertained  of  it. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

ALBERT  ORDWAY,  Chairman. 


REPORT 

Of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of  James  River , 
December  5th , 1870. 


Richmond,  Va.,  December  5,  1S70. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond : 

Gentlemen — The  Joint  Committee  on  the  improvement  of 
James  River,  respectfully  submit  the  following  account  of 
their  operations  since  their  last  report  on  the  oth  of  Septem- 
ber, no  report  having  been  rendered  for  the  months  of  Sep- 
tember and  October,  for  the  reason  that  the  time  was  occupied 
solely  in  completing  the  repairs  on  the  tug,  dredge  and  scows, 


149 


and  getting  all  the  machinery  in  readiness  for  active  opera- 
tions : 

In  our  last  report  we  laid  before  you  the  plan  of  operations 
we  had  determined  on,  in  conjunction  with  the  government 
engineers,  for  carrying  out  the  improvements  committed  to 
our  care.  Those  plans  have  been  somewhat  changed,  or 
rather  the  commencement  of  the  execution  has  been  delayed 
by  the  momorable  flood  of  October  1st.  The  grest  fresh 
which  then  occurred  in  the  river  swept  away  the  barrier  that 
had  been  thrown  across  the  opening  of  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal, 
so  that  the  whole  volume  of  the  swollen  stream  swept  through 
the  canal,  deepening  and  widening  it,  while  the  debris  and 
sediment  were  deposited  beyond  its  mouth  in  Trent’s  Reach, 
filling  the  channel  in  some  places  to  a depth  of  three  feet. 
The  result  was  an  immediate  disarrangement  of  the  commer- 
cial interests  of  the  city  in  consequence  of  the  New  York 
steamers  and  large  vessels  being  prevented  from  reaching  it 
without  lightering  their  cargoes,  or  waiting  for  the  heighth  of 
tides. 

It  becomes  a question  therefore  for  immediate  and  serious 
consideration  whether  we  should  again  close  the  mouth  of  the 
Dutch  Gap  Canal,  and  thus  throw  the  whole  volume  of  the 
river  through  Trent’s  Reach,  and  dredge  out  the  bars  and 
deposits  that  had  been  formed,  or  should  proceed  to  make 
the  canal  available  for  navigation.  The  government  engineers 
learnipg  of  this  change  in  the  river,  came  forward  with  com- 
mendable alacrity,  and  immediately  decided  to  take  advantage 
of  the  action  of  nature,  and  assumed  as  a portion  of  their 
work  to  open  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal,  throw  the  main  current 
of  the  river  through  it,  and  make  it  the  general  channel  of 
navigation. 

As  this  undertaking  would  require  considerable  time,  and 
made  it  impolitic  to  again  close  the  mouth  of  the  canal,  it 


150 


became  of  vast  importance  that  the  deposits  which  had  been 
formed  in  Trent’s  Reach  should  be  immediately  sufficiently 
removed  to  permit  unimpeded  navigation.  We,  therefore, 
largely  increased  the  force  at  work  on  the  repairs  of  the 
dredge  and  scows,  and  on  the  12th  of  November  had  them 
so  far  completed  that  they  proceeded  to  the  point  of  opera- 
tions. 

They  have  been  steadily  at  work  since  that  date  with  most 
commendable  results,  having  completed  one  clear  cut  through 
the  new  obstructions  twenty-five  feet  in  width  to  a depth  of 
fourteen  feet,  and  now  working  on  the  second  cut.  They 
have  removed  thus  far  about  four  thousand  cubic  yards  of 
sand.  Navigation  is  therefore  now  unimpeded  for  all  classes 
of  vessels  that  usually  come  to  our  port. 

In  view  of  the  opening  of  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal  it  would 
be  a useless  expenditure,  for  us  to  open  the  channel  in  Trent’s 
Reach  to  its  full  width.  We  propose,  therefore,  making  the 
cut  only  to  a width  of  fifty  feet,  giving  it,  however,  a full 
depth  of  fourteen  feet,  which  will  permit  the  passage  of  all 
vessels  that  can  cross  the  shoal  points  near  the  city.  TV  e an- 
ticipate having  this  work  fully  completed  by  the  loth  instant, 
and  shall  then  proceed  with  the  execution  of  our  plans  as 
detailed  in  our  report  of  September  5th. 

In  regard  to  the  progress  of  the  improvements  taken  charge 
of  by  the  government  engineers,  you  will  be  pleased  to  learn 
that  they  have  awarded  a contract  for  removing  so  much  of 
the  "wrecks  and  obstructions  at  Drewry’s  Bluff,  and  other 
points  in  the  river  as  will  give  an  unobstructed  channel 
through  them  250  feet  in  width,  and  18  feet  in  depth.  The 
contractor,  Prof.  B.  Maillefert,  of  New  York,  began  work  on 
the  20tli  of  November,  and  is  now  actively  engaged  in  his 
operations.  They  have  also  awarded  a contract  for  opening 
and  dredging  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal  to  the  American  Dredg- 


151 


ing  Company  of  Philadelphia,  who  are  to  begin  their  work  on 
the  1st  of  March  and  complete  it  in  three  months.  And  thus 
do  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  which  have  so  long  impeded 
the  commercial  growth  of  our  city  promise  to  vanish  from 
the  appliances  of  science  and  energy. 

Your  committee  deem  it  proper  to  further  report  that  we 
have  contracted  for  a new  and  powerful  dredge,  which  is  now 
being  built  by  the  American  Dredging  Company  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  will  probably  be  completed,  to  be  delivered  here  by 
the  15th  proximo.  With  two  good  dredges,  and  the  further 
appliances  we  have  in  view,  we  hope  to  fulfill  the  most  san- 
guine expectations  that  may  be  entertained  from  our  work. 

We  have  also  approved  a plan  submitted  to  us  by  our  en- 
gineer, Capt.  R.  D.  Minor,  for  depositing  the  material 
dredged  from  the  river.  This  plan  was  formed  by  him  after 
full  consultation  with  the  government  engineers  in  regard  to 
their  plans  and  intentions,  and  contemplates  the  building  of 
extended  lines  of  piling,  or  timber  crib  work,  in  proper  lo- 
calities, within  which  the  dredged  material  may  be  deposited, 
and  thus  be  effectually  removed  from  all  chance  of  again 
washing  into  the  channel.  We  have  contracted  for  a pile 
driver,  and  have  now  under  consideration  the  plans  for  pro- 
per scows  and  dumping  cars,  Avhich,  as  soon  as  adopted,  will 
be  contracted  for,  that  no  delay  may  occur  in  the  progress  of 
the  wrork. 

We  also  have  the  honor  to  report  that  under  the  terms  of 
the  ordinances  the  committee  have  filled  the  vacancy  occa- 
sioned by  the  death  of  Thomas  Faherty,  Esq.,  by  the  election 
of  Capt.  Geo.  W.  Allen  ; and  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the 
transfer  of  Capt.  Allen  to  represent  the  council,  by  the  elec- 
tion of  Garrett  F.  Watson,  Esq. 

We  cannot  close  this  report  without  referring  to  the  active 
interest  manifested  by  Col.  Craighill  and  his  assistants  in  the 


152 


improvements  which  so  much  concern  us.  Not  only  have 
they  taken  an  interest  in  the  work  committed  to  their  charge 
by  the  government,  but  they  seem  to  appreciate  as  fully  as 
ourselves  the  vast  import  of  the  work,  not  to  our  local  pros- 
perity alone,  but  in  its  ulterior  results  as  a link  in  the  great 
central  line  of  transportation.  We  have  reason  to  believe 
that  he  will  present  a report  to  Congress,  now  about  to  meet, 
in  which  will  be  demonstrated  the  entire  feasibility  of  the  full 
extent  of  the  improvements  we  have  desired,  with  strong  re- 
commendations for  liberal  appropriations  from  the  govern- 
ment to  carry  them  out.  It  behooves  us,  therefore,  to  spare 
no  efforts  in  our  own  portion  of  the  work,  and  also  to  use 
every  influence  within  our  power,  to  induce  Congress  to 
consider  favorably  the  recommendations  that  will  be  made  to 
them. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

ALBERT  ORDWAY,  Chairman. 


REPORT 

Of  Committee  on  James  River  Improvement  with  Accompa- 
nying Reports  of  Capt.  R.  D.  Minor,  Engineer,  fc. 


Richmond,  Va.,  March  1st,  1871. 

To  the  Council  of  the  City  of  Richmond  : 

Gentlemen — The  Joint  Committee  on  the  Improvement  of 
James  river,  respectfully  submit  for  your  information  the 
following  report  of  the  operations  and  progress  since  the  date 
of  their  last  report,  on  the  5th  of  December. 

At  that  time  we  were  engaged  in  dredging  out  the  deposits 
made  in  Trent’s  Reach,  during  the  great  flood  which  had  so 
filled  up  the  bar  there  that  there  was  only  a depth  of  ten 


153 


feet.  This  work  was  completed  about  the  middle  of  February, 
giving  a channel  way  the  entire  length  of  the  bar,  (about 
1,387  feet,)  75  feet  wide,  and  with  14  feet  of  water  at  ordi- 
nary high  tide.  To  accomplish  this,  we  have  dredged  and 
removed,  during  the  three  months  occupied  in  the  work, 
14,200  cubic  yards  of  sand.  This  improvement  to  the  navi- 
gation of  the  river  has  been  communicated  to  the  leading 
commercial  newspapers,  and  the  channel  way  marked  by  spar 
buoys,  courteously  supplied  to  us  by  Commodore  Stanly, 
U.  S.  N.,  Light-house  Inspector  of  the  Fifth  District. 

During  the  severe  cold  weather  in  the  latter  part  of  De- 
cember, when  dredging  work  was  necessarily  suspended,  we 
deemed  it  to  be  within  the  province  of  our  powers  and  duties 
to  facilitate  trade  by  keeping  the  channel  of  the  river  open 
and  clear  of  ice.  On  one  occasion  we  chartered  a tug  boat 
to  assist  our  own  in  this  work,  and  thus  enabled  several  ves- 
sels to  leave  and  enter  port  that  would  otherwise  have  been 
delayed.  During  this  time  our  tug  also  rendered  valuable 
assistance  to  vessels — and  on  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice  ne 
employed  her  to  replace  and  repair  buoys  that  had  been  cut 
loose  by  the  ice. 

We  are  now  preparing  to  begin  our  operations  of  dredging 
at  Warwick’s  Bar,  as  part  of  the  plan  originally  adopted  by 
us  for  the  improvement  of  the  ri'-er.  While  engaged  in 
these  preparations,  we  have  detailed  the  dredge  to  do  such 
work  as  may  be  desired  by  private  owners  for  the  improve- 
ment of  their  wharves  along  the  river  front,  and  dredging  out 
the  slip  £Lt  the  opening  of  the  Dock. 

The  new  dredge-boat  for  which  we  contracted,  as  by  our 
previous  report,  was  completed  within  the  time  specified,  and 
on  the  19th  of  January  a sub-committee,  consisting  of  Messrs. 
Wynne  and  Isaacs,  accompanied  by  Capt  Minor,  the  Engi- 
neer, proceeded  to  Philadelphia  to  inspect  it.  They  gave  it 
20 


154 


a thorough  examination,  and  finding  it  satisfactory,  accepted 
the  work.  Ice  in  the  Delaware  river  prevented  its  imme- 
diate delivery  to  us : but  we  are  now  pleased  to  report  that 
it  has  left  Philadelphia,  and  that  we  are  now  daily  expecting 
its  arrival  here. 

We  also  deem  it  proper  to  report  that  we  have  built  a 
powerful  steam  pile  driver,  which  is  now  nearly  completed  and 
ready  for  our  work  ; are  now  engaged  in  building  two  large 
lighters  or  scows  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  the  material 
dredged  ; have  contracted  for  the  dumping  cars  to  run  on  the 
scows ; and  accepted  proposals  for  furnishing  us  with  the 
piles  and  timber  for  building  the  dykes  within  which  we  pro- 
pose to  deposit  the  material  dredged  from  the  river  upon  the 
plan  submitted  in  our  last  report. 

In  compliance  with  the  resolutions  of  the  council  we  have 
caused  three  granite  columns  to  be  erected  to  mark  the 
height  of  water  during  the  great  fresh  of  October  1st,  1870, 
on  Main  street,  near  the  St.  Charles  Hotel,  at  the  corner  of 
Ash  and  Poplar  streets,  and  at  the  corner  of  Lester  and 
Nicholson  streets. 

We  transmit  herewith  the  report  of  Captain  R.  D.  Minor, 
Engineer,  concerning  the  same,  with  a drawing  of  the 
columns,  which  we  would  suggest  be  preserved  among  the 
records  of  the  city  for  future  reference. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Col.  Forsburg,  City  Engineer  of 
Lynchburg,  arrangements  have  been  made  to  advise  our  En- 
gineer by  telegram  on  the  occasion  of  any  important  rise  in 
the  river  at  that  point,  thereby  affording  us  ample  time  to 
notify  the  vessels  in  port,  and  others,  to  make  such  prepa- 
ration as  the  extent  of  the  danger  notified  may  indicate  as 
necessary. 

While  the  improvements  under  our  charge  have  thus  far 
progressed  so  satisfactorily,  and  the  plans  that  have  been 


155 


matured  promise  such  beneficial  results  for  the  future,  tin  re 
are  two  matters  in  connection  therewith  which  have  an  im- 
portant bearing  on  the  benefits  we  are  to  derive,  and  which 
therefore  demand  immediate  and  thoughtful  consideration. 

The  first  is  the  improvement  of  Shockoe  and  Gillis’  creeks, 
which  bring  down  immense  quantities  of  earth  from  the 
ravines  through  which  they  pass  and  deposit  in  our  harbor  to 
such  an  extent  as  in  many  places  to  have  completely  changed 
its  configuration.  Some  thorough  and  permanent  plan  should 
at  once  be  adopted  to  remedy  this  evil.  This  subject  may 
very  properly  be  considered  as  appertaining  and  being  a por- 
tion of  the  river  improvements,  and  therefore  within  the 
province  of  the  committee  to  carry  out,  if  they  deem  neces- 
sary, in  such  manner  as  we  may  find  best  adapted  to  secure 
the  ends  we  have  in  view.  While  we  would  cheerfully  under- 
take this  work,  we  do  not  feel  fully  authorized  to  use  the  ap- 
propriation under  our  control  for  this  purpose,  unless  specially 
authorized  so  to  do  by  the  council. 

We  transmit  herewith  a report  of  our  Engineer  on  the 
subject,  and  would  ask  your  special  and  immediate  action. 
We  would  also  suggest,  if  you  authorize  us  to  undertake  this 
work,  the  necessity  of  directing  the  City  Engineer  to  co- 
operate with  our  Engineer  in  the  preparation  and  execution 
of  the  plans,  as  at  many  points  the  grades  and  lines  of  streets 
as  well  as  the  lines  of  private  property  must  be  regarded. 

The  other  matter  of  vital  importance  to  which  we  refer,  is 
the  necessity  of  providing  ample  wharf  and  dock  facilities  as 
near  the  heart  of  the  city  as  possible.  On  the  4th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1853,  there  was  a report  made  to  the  council  on  this 
subject,  by  Thomas  W.  McCance,  Esq.,  as  chairman  of  a 
committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  recommending  that 
the  city  should  acquire  the  right  to  all  the  property  situate  ! 
between  the  canal,  dock  and  river,  from  or  near  Mayo’s 


156 


bridge  to  the  ship  locks.  That  report  was  so  full  and  so  able, 
that  it  is  especially  applicable  to  our  present  condition,  and 
we  cannot  add  weight  to  its  arguments.  We  would  ask  that 
the  council  refer  to  that  report  and  take  it  up  for  considera- 
tion. It  will  be  found  that  this  report  suggests  the  proba- 
bility that  the  city  possesses  the  right  to  about  half  the  river 
front  on  the  property  in  question ; and  we  would  respectfully 
request  that  the  City  Attorney  be  directed  to  furnish  this 
committee  with  all  the  required  information  in  regard  to  the 
rights  of  the  city  on  the  property  in  question,  that  we  may  be 
enabled  to  bring  the  matter  properly  before  you  for  conside- 
ration. 

We  deem  it  of  sufficient  interest  to  include  in  our  report 
information  in  regard  to  the  condition  and  progress  of  the 
work  undertaken  by  the  general  government  in  connection 
with  our  river  improvements. 

The  removal  of  the  wrecks  and  obstructions  in  the  river, 
under  the  contract  between  the  United  States  engineers  and 
Prof.  Maillefert,  referred  to  in  our  last  report,  has  progressed 
steadily  and  satisfactorily.  A few  more  days  will  fully  com- 
plete the  work,  and  give  us  at  Drewry’s  Bluff  an  unobstructed 
channel  225  feet  wide,  and  18  feet  deep.  Thus  rapidly  and 
thoroughly  have  these  formidable  obstructions,  which  have 
been  regarded  as  almost  insurmountable  difficulties  in  the  im- 
provement of  our  river,  disappeared  before  the  appliances  of 
science  and  skill.  It  is  but  an  indication  of  how  successfully 
we  may  carry  out  all  of  our  plans  of  improvement  if  we  are 
but  determined  and  energetic,  and  keep  in  view  the  great  re- 
sults we  are  to  obtain. 

All  of  the  preparations  for  the  beginning  of  the  work  for 
opening  the  Dutch  Gap  Canal  are  completed,  and  the  contrac- 
tors are  about  to  commence  operations.  Within  ninety  days 
we  may  expect  this  work  to  be  so  far  completed  as  to  permit 


157 

the  passage  of  vessels  and  demonstrate  the  feasibility  of  this 
great  improvement. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  we  are  also  enabled  to  report 
that  Congress  has  granted  another  appropriation  of  $50,000 
to  continue  the  work  undertaken  by  the  government.  This 
is  but  another  proof,  not  only  of  the  importance  of  these 
improvements  in  the  navigation  of  the  river  to  the  general 
commerce  of  the  country,  but  also  of  the  entire  feasibility  of 
carrying  out  our  plans  to  the  full  extent  of  our  necessities 
and  wishes. 

The  thanks  of  our  city  are  due  to  Colonel  Craighill,  the 
United  States  engineer  in  charge  of  the  improvements  under- 
taken by  the  government,  and  to  his  assistant,  Capt.  Hutton, 
for  the  great  interest  they  have  manifested  in  the  work,  their 
enlarged  and  liberal  views  to  promote  our  welfare,  and  their 
efforts  to  procure  the  further  assistance  of  Congress.  Com- 
mendation is  also  due  to  our  own  engineer,  Captain  R.  D. 
Minor,  to  Captain  Thos.  Cunningham,  in  charge  of  the 
dredge,  and  to  all  the  employees  for  their  steady  application 
to  their  duties  and  their  earnest  efforts  in  the  work. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

ALBERT  ORDWAY,  Chairman. 


158 


Office  Engineer  James  River  Improvement , 

Richmond,  Va.,  Feb.  20th,  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordway, 

Chairman  Committee  James  River  Improvement: 

Colonel — I beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  and  that  of 
the  committee  to  the  present  condition  of  Shockoe  and  Gillis’ 
creeks,  in  order  that  the  question  of  their  improvement 
may  be  brought  before  the  city  council  for  its  early  action 
upon  it. 

Both  of  these  creeks  emptying  into  James  river  at  important 
points  on  our  -water  front,  are  constantly  bringing  down  and 
depositing  in  the  harbor,  very  much  to  its  injury,  large  quan- 
tities of  earthy  matter,  which  it  would  be  a simple  waste  of 
money  to  remove  by  dredging,  until  some  system  shall  be 
adopted  for  the  prevention  of  these  deposits. 

The  remedy  suggested  some  years  ago  by  a present  member 
of  the  commtttee,  (Mr.  McCance,)  and  very  ably  carried  out 
as  far  as  the  means  then  at  command  would  justify,  seems  to 
have  been  a most  efficient  one,  and  I heartily  commend  its 
continuance  as  the  best  under  all  circumstances  of  the  case. 

It  consists  in  placing  across  the  courses  of  the  creeks  and 
their  tributaries,  a series  of  dams , which  checking  the  rapid 
flow  of  the  streams,  causes  a deposit  to  be  made,  thus  gradu- 
ally filling  up  the  dam  level,  the  water  being  carried  off  by 
stone  stacks,  which  communicating  with  the  lower  bed  of  the 
creeks,  permits  an  easy  flow  to  the  river. 

Retaining  walls,  to  confine  the  streams  to  their  proper  bed, 
and  to  prevent  encroachment  upon  private  property  within 
the  city  limits,  will  be  necessary  in  some  places,  and  espe- 
cially so  in  the  case  of  Shockoe  creek  between  Broad  and 
Main  streets,  where  the  stream  is  already  considerably  out  of 
its  original  course. 


159 


In  addition  to  the  earthy  deposit  made  by  Gillis’  creek, 
the  refuse  matter  from  the  gas  house  is  emptied  into  the  river 
at  a point  about  the  centre  of  the  wharves,  where  it  causes 
a serious  obstruction  by  cementing  the  earthy  matter  and 
holding  in  position,  as  it  were,  a bar,  which  will  require  much 
time  and  expense  to  remove,  and  keep  open  for  navigation 
and  berth  purposes. 

Moreover,  too,  this  refuse  matter  is  not  only  a nuisance  to 
the  harbor,  but  its  effect  is  to  destroy  the  fish  spawn  in  the 
river  for  many  miles  down  its  course,  thus  depriving  our  peo- 
ple of  a large  supply  of  food,  and  many  of  them  of  profitable 
employment. 

To  remedy  this,  the  offensive  matter  must  be  kept  out  of 
the  river,  and  by  emptying  it  into  wells  sunk  for  the  purpose, 
it  can  be  neutralized  by  lime  or  some  alkali,  and  perhaps  be 
made  of  some  use. 

I beg  to  refer  you  to  Captain  Dimmock,  the  city  engineer, 
(who  has  been  consulted  and  agrees  with  me  in  the  above 
views.)  for  detailed  plans,  for  the  stacks,  dams  and  retaining 
walls  required  for  Shockoe  and  Gillis’  creek,  this  duty  be- 
longing more  particularly  to  his  department, 

I am,  sir,  respectfully  yours, 

R.  D.  MINOR, 

Engineer  James  River  Improvement, 


160 


Office  Engineer  James  River  Improvement , 
Richmond,  V a.,  Feb.  21st,  1871. 

Col.  Albert  Ordway, 

Chairman  Committee  James  River  Improvement : 

Colonel — In  compliance  -with  instructions  from  the  com- 
mittee, I have  had  three  stone  columns  erected  to  mark  the 
unprecedented  high  water  of  October  1st,  1870. 

These  columns  are  of  Richmond  granite,  (10  ft.)  ten  feet 
long,  and  14  by  13  inches  thick,  the  upper  part  being 
“ dressed”  to  the  extent  of  four  feet,  leaving  the  remainder 
in  the  “ rough,”  and  which  is  entirely  underground. 

A Brass  Plate  (9x7J)  nine  by  seven  and  a half  inches, 
with  the  following  inscription. 

HIGH  WATER  LINE. 

24  FEET  1-8  INCHES  ABOVE  ORDINARY  HIGH  TIDE,  OCTOBER 
1ST,  1870, 

Has  been  set  in  each  column,  and  secured  by  rods  and  nuts, 
countersunk  and  covered  with  cement. 

I annex  a drawing  of  the  columns  which  have  been  erected, 
one  on  Main  street,  near  the  St.  Charles  Hotel,  one  at  the 
corner  of  Ash  and  Poplar  streets,  and  the  other  at  the  corner 
of  Lester  and  Nicholson  streets. 

The  whole  cost  for  the  three  columns  has  been  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-nine  dollars  and  twenty  cents,  (-$169  20.) 

Respectfully  yours, 

R.  D.  MINOR, 

Engineer  James  River  Improvement. 


[The  following  should  have  appeared  on  page  91,  immediately  after  the  report 
of  Messrs.  Anderson,  McCance  and  Haskins.] 


In  the  Council  of  the  city  of  Richmond,  October  4,  1853  : 

The  following  report  was  taken  up — 

“ The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  many 
citizens  to  the  council,  to  acquire  the  right  to  the  land  be- 
tween the  Dock  and  the  river,  from  or  near  Mayo’s  bridge  to 
the  end  of  the  embankment  forming  the  entrance  to  the  Dock, 
for  the  purpose  of  increasing  the  wharf  accommodation  for 
shipping  engaged  in  the  commerce  of  the  city,  respectfully  sub- 
mit the  following  report : 

“ The  committee,  impressed  with  the  great  importance  of 
the  subject  submitted  to  their  consideration,  met  on  the  ground 
on  the  seventh  of  December,  1852 ; and  after  a careful  exami- 
nation concurred  in  the  opinion  that  the  city  ought  to  acquire 
the  right  to  all  the  land  between  the  Dock  and  river,  from 
Mayo’s  bridge  to  the  end  of  the  jettee  forming  the  entrance 
to  the  Dock.  On  the  eighth  of  December,  the  City  Surveyor 
was  requested  to  furnish  the  committee  with  a plat  of  all  the 
land  between  the  points  designated ; but  high  water  and  other 
causes  prevented  him  from  completing  the  plat  to  low  water 
mark  along  the  margin  of  the  river,  as  early  as  desired.  The 
necessity  for  works  of  improvement  to  develop  the  resources 
of  Richmond,  have  been  made  manifest  by  large  subscriptions 
on  the  part  of  the  city  and  by  individual  citizens,  to  the  James 
River  and  Kanawha  Canal,  the  Richmond  and  Danville  Rail- 
road, the  Virginia  and  Tennessee  Railroad  and  the  Virginia 
Central  Railroad.  All  the  above  great  works,  with  nume- 
rous feeders,  such  as  canals,  railroads,  plank  and  turnpike 
roads,  are  pressing  on  to  completion  with  new  energy,  and 
must,  ere  long,  pour  into  this  city  a vast  amount  of  trade,  un- 
less it  is  forced  to  some  other  point,  by  the  want  of  shipping 
2 L 


162 


accommodation  here.  The  recent  survey  of  the  James  river 
by  the  United  States  Coast  survey,  confirming  several  pre- 
vious surveys,  and  rendering  certain,  at  small  cost,  the  im- 
provement of  the  river  for  vessels  of  large  tonnage  to  the 
wharves  and  in  the  Dock,  has  induced  the  council  to  assume 
the  cost  of  a powerful  dredging  machine  (now  in  course  of 
construction)  which,  when  completed,  will,  under  the  control 
of  the  United  States  Engineer,  with  an  appropriation  already 
made  by  the  United  States,  commence  dredging  out  the  bars 
that  have  so  long  hampered  the  commerce  and  retarded  the 
growth  of  the  city.  With  the  shortest  and  cheapest  route  for 
the  vast  trade  within  the  range  of  the  improvements  diverging 
from  the  city  in  every  direction,  your  committee  are  of  opinion 
that  there  is  but  one  thing  necessary  to  attract  and  give  your 
merchants  the  control  of  this  trade,  and  that  is,  here,  at  the 
terminus  of  all  the  great  improvements  of  the  State,  to  pro- 
vide accommodation  for  the  shipping  that  will  be  necessary  to 
meet  the  commercial  wants  of  the  city,  not  for  a coastwise 
trade  only,  but  for  vessels  of  a capacity  to  trade  economically 
with  any  and  all  the  ports  of  the  world.  It  is  no  longer  a 
question,  is  it  necessary  for  the  city  to  have  a competent  out- 
let for  her  trade  ? She  has  no  other  alternative.  She  must 
have  it,  or  the  large  outlay  by  corporate  and  individual  sub- 
scription to  works  of  improvement  to  the  interior,  will  result 
in  advantages  to  other  and  more  enterprising  communities. 
To  the  extent  that  the  city  can  command  navigation  for  large 
vessels  to  the  wharves,  so  that  one  movement  of  merchandise 
only  is  necessary  from  the  vessels  to  the  warehouses  or  depots, 
and  vice  versa , with  the  fact  that  a ship  of  a thousand  tons 
can  be  towed  to  Hampton  Roads  and  vice  versa  in  about  fif- 
teen hours,  at  a cost  of  about  one  hundred  dollars  each  way, 
the  commerce  of  this  city,  with  the  attainable  improvement  of 
the  river,  will  have,  beyond  question  the  cheapest,  and  most 


1G3 


expeditious  cutlet  to  the  ocean.  When  the  trade,  passing  to 
and  fro  through  the  city,  is  of  a magnitude  to  require  larger 
vessels  than  a navigation  of  about  sixteen  feet  will  admit,  to 
the  ■wharves,  then,  by  the  construction  of  a railroad  about 
twenty-two  miles,  a point  is  attained  on  James  river  about 
sixty  miles  from  the  city  by  water,  in  every  respect  ad- 
mirably suited  for  a port  for  large  ships,  by  its  healthi- 
ness, great  depth  of  water  close  in  shore,  secure  anchorage 
and  a depth  of  water,  more  than  twenty  feet  to  the  ocean. 
The  advantages  of  a railroad  to  the  James  instead  of  the 
York  river,  to  promote  the  commerce  of  the  city,  are  obvious 
and  numerous,  and  have  an  important  bearing  on  the  ques- 
tion under  consideration,  and  the  committee  state  a few  of 
them. 

“ The  capacity  of  James  river,  at  present,  is  sufficient  for 
all,  and,  it  is  believed,  much  more  tonnage  than  can  pass  over 
all  the  improvments  now  in  progress  of  construction  from  the 
interior  to  this  city.  When  the  improvement  of  the  channel 
of  the  river  is  completed,  so  as  to  admit  large  vessels  to  the 
wharves,  the  capacity  of  the  James  river  will  be  increased  a 
hundred  fold.  At  this  time,  for  the  class  of  vessels  that  can 
load  and  discharge  their  cargoes  at  the  wharves,  the  rate  of 
freight  is  as  low  as  from  any  other  port  for  coastwise  or  foreign 
voyages.  The  same  state  of  things  will  exist,  when  the  im- 
provement of  the  river  is  completed  and  large  vessels  load  and 
discharge  their  cargoes  at  the  wharves.  Construct  a railroad 
to  York  river,  and  every  ton  of  freight  passing  over  it  is  sub- 
ject to  an  additional  charge  of  not  less  than  one  dollar  and 
twenty-five  cents  per  ton  more  than  it  can  be  shipped  from  or 
received  at  here,  besides  the  worse  order  that  every  package 
must  sustain  from  the  more  frequent  handling.  A railroad 
to  James  river  would  facilitate  the  unloading  larger  vessels 
than  can  come  up  to  the  wharves  with  full  cargoes,  by  dis- 


164 


charging  at  the  depot  so  much  of  the  inward  cargo  as  will 
lighten  the  vessel  to  the  required  depth,  to  he  towed  up  to  the 
city.  The  same  course  must  be  followed  with  the  outward 
cargo,  by  which  the  charge  of  railroad  transportation  would 
be  saved  on  four-fifths  of  the  cargo,  and  a great  saving  in 
time  be  effected,  as  the  single  operation  of  discharging  from  or 
receiving  the  cargo  at  the  vessel,  would  supersede  the  nume- 
rous handlings  that  would  be  necessary  if  all  the  inward 
and  outward  cargo  had  to  pass  over  a railroad.  Masters  will 
more  readily  freight  their  vessels  to  the  James  than  to  the 
York  river,  because  of  the  greater  certainty  of  getting  a re- 
turn freight  of  such  articles  as  will  not  bear  railroad  transpor- 
tation, say:  coal,  iron,  granite,  &c.,  if  the  more  valuable  freight 
paying  commodities  are  not  to  be  had.  Also  the  fact,  that 
all  the  shipping  in  the  James  river  has  the  advantage  of  the 
commerce  of  the  rapidly  growing  town  o£  Petersburg,  which 
would  be  entirely  lost  on  the  York  river.  The  distance  to  a 
desirable  point  on  James  river  for  a port  for  large  ships  en- 
gaged in  the  commerce  of  this  city,  being  one-third  less  than 
to  a similar  point  on  York  river,  the  difference  in  the  cost  of 
the  two  routes  should  determine  it  in  favor  of  the  former,  in- 
dependent of  numerous  other  advantages. 

“In  view  of  the  great  trade  that  centres  here  now,  and 
the  inevitable  great  increase  that  will  be  added  to  it,  by  the 
completion  of  each  mile  of  the  improvements  in  progress  to 
the  interior,  (in  which  the  city  is  so  largely  interested,)  your 
committee  are  of  opinion,  that  timely  and  ample  preparation 
should  be  made  to  accommodate  the  shipping  necessary  for 
the  commerce  of  the  city,  and  are  therefore  of  opinion,  that 
all  the  land  between  the  points  designated,  should  be  ac- 
quired to  enable  the  city  to  make  the  wharfing  continuous 
arid  uniform,  from  the  jettee  to  the  abutment  of  Mayo’s 
bridge,  and  to  regulate  and  grade  streets  throughout  the  pro- 


165 


perty,  which  could  not  be  done  to  equal  advantage  if  indi- 
viduals owned  part  of  the  property.  To  confirm  the  above 
position,  the  committee  refer  to  the  condition  of  the  wharves 
at  Rocketts,  since  the  closing  of  the  dock,  the  only  point  at 
which  vessels  could  discharge  or  receive  their  cargoes. 
Wharf  owners,  and  every  one  having  business  in  any  way 
connected  with  the  shipping,  cry  out  at  the  disgraceful  con- 
dition of  the  wharves  (and  the  streets  leading  to  them,) 
which  no  action  of  owners  of  wharves  who  desired  to  im- 
prove could  effect,  because  of  the  want  of  uniform  action 
amongst  the  various  owners.  The  committee  were  also  in- 
fluenced to  the  opinion  that  the  city  should  own  the  property 
designated,  in  order  to  put  it  under  efficient  police  supervi- 
sion, and  make  a part  of  the  city  'that  is  now  unpleasant  to 
visit  a place  of  recreation  for  those  who  love  to  look  on  the 
busy  mart  of  trade,  and  by  bringing  the  shipping  near  the 
centre  of  business  create  in  merchants  and  others  an  interest 
that  will  ultimately  give  the  city  great  commercial  impor- 
tance. The  necessity  for  increased  wharf  room  is  so  ob- 
vious, and  the  growth  and  permanent  prosperity  of  the  city 
is  so  vitally  connected  with  the  shipping  interest  that  it  is 
only  requisite  to  allude  to  the  delays  and  consequent  in- 
creased expense  in  all  shipping  operations,  in  the  present 
contracted  condition  of  the  port,  to  impress  all  with  the  ne- 
cessity to  act  at  once,  to  accommodate  our  present  trade  as 
well  as  to  provide  for  certain  large  increase.  The  committee, 
in  forming  their  opinion  of  the  necessity  to  increase  the 
wharf  room  of  the  port,  have  duly  considered  the  increased 
accommodation  that  will  be  afforded  to  shipping,  by  the  com- 
pletion of  the  dock  ; but  believe  that  the  increased  trade, 
over  the  works  leading  from  the  city  to  the  interior  of  the 
State,  in  their  present  incomplete  condition,  will  require 
shipping  equal  to  the  capacity  of  the  dock  and  part  of  the 


16G 


■wharves,  giving  to  the  vessels  berths  for  the  prompt  delivery 
and  receiving  their  cargoes.  The  committee  are  further 
impelled  to  advocate  the  improvement  contemplated,  by  the 
necessity  to  provide  accommodation  for  a class  of  large  ves- 
sels that  now  discharge  and  receive  their  cargoes  by  lighters 
at  City  Point  and  other  places  on  the  river ; as  they  confi- 
dently hope  and  believe  that  by  the  time  the  work  can  be 
completed  the  improvement  of  the  river  will  admit  such  ves- 
sels to  discharge  and  receive  their  cargoes  at  the  city  wharves. 
The  property  proposed  to  be  condemned  has  a front  on  the 
river  of  about  4,445  feet ; about  4,000  feet  of  which  can  be 
made  available  for  vessels  drawing  eight  to  twelve  feet,  the 
ballance  for  vessels  of  light  draught.  It  is  believed  that  the 
city  has  the  right  to  about  half  the  front  on  the  river.  The 
committee  do  not  think  it  incumbent  on  them  to  enter  into  an 
estimate  of  the  probable  value  of  the  land,  or  the  cost  of  the 
improvement  to  be  made,  as  the  former  will  be  determined  by 
a jury,  and  the  latter  by  what  the  best  interest  of  the  city 
may  suggest  when  the  improvement  is  commenced. 

The  committee  recommend  to  the  council  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolution  : 

The  resolution  of  the  committee  was  amended  so.  as  to  read 
as  follows  : 

“ Resolved , That  the  Attorney  for  the  city  be  instructed 
to  apply  to  the  Hustings  Court  for  the  appointment  of  com- 
missioners to  condemn  for  the  use  of  the  city  all  the  land  be- 
tween the  dock  and  the  river,  bounded  on  the  west  by  Mayo’s 
bridge,  and  on  the  east  by  the  jettee  forming  the  entrance  to 
the  dock,  except  so  much  land  as  is  reserved  for  a street 
along  the  southern  line  of  the  dock,  and  except  so  much  land 
as  is  now  the  property  of  the  city.  And  the  special  commit- 
tee already  raised  on  this  subject  is  instructed  to  appear,  by 


167 


their  Chairman,  or  otherwise,  before  said  commissioners,  and 
assist  the  City  Attorney  in  representing  the  city.” 

The  said  report  was  approved,  and  said  resolution  as 
amended  was  adopted  by  the  council. 

From  the  Journal  of  the  Council. 

E.  C.  HOWARD,  City  Cleric. 


fi 


Date  Due 

Form  335— 40M— 6-40 

